[Activity Report] UT-NCKU Summer Program (GASSHUKU) Held at the Tsukuba Plant Innovation Research Center (T-PIRC)
2026.8.21
From August 2 to 8, 2026, the Tsukuba Plant Innovation Research Center (T-PIRC) welcomed graduate students from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan, for a one-week program. The UT-NCKU Summer Program (GASSHUKU) featured lectures, experiments, practical training, and student exchange activities focusing on food security, genome-edited and genetically modified crops (GMOs), and plant–microbe symbiosis.
Regarding genome editing and GMOs, the students learned about the principles behind their development, gene introduction and genome editing techniques, methods for detection and evaluation, and management practices. They also attended lectures and participated in discussions on regulations and social acceptance in Japan and other countries around the world. In addition, they learned about plant–microbe interactions, particularly symbiotic nitrogen fixation between leguminous plants and rhizobia, as well as the latest research findings and related experimental techniques.
At the end of the program, the participating students gave presentations based on what they had learned throughout the week. Through these presentations, they shared their learning outcomes and exchanged views with other students. Discussions focused particularly on the social acceptance of GMOs and genome-editing technologies, as well as their applications to food security and sustainable agriculture.
Through these activities, the students gained knowledge and practical skills in biotechnology and plant–microbe symbiosis, while also developing the ability to consider the challenges of implementing science and technology in society from multiple perspectives.
As part of the extracurricular activities, the students visited Michi-no-Eki Shonan, Tsukuba Botanical Garden, VAN SICKEL FARM TSUKUBA, and Mt. Tsukuba. Through these visits and interactions with University of Tsukuba students, they deepened their understanding of different cultures. The program also provided both groups of students with an opportunity to consider international research exchange and their future careers.
