Agricultural biotechnology has immense potential to foster sustainable agriculture. However, realizing this potential depends on robust research and development (R&D), alongside crucial supporting elements such as effective communication, well-defined, science-based national regulatory frameworks, and a thorough grasp of international legal instruments. Strong collaboration among scientists, regulators, policymakers, and legal experts is vital. This ensures that scientific advancements and regulatory practices evolve hand-in-hand, allowing society to reap the benefits of modern biotechnology while effectively minimizing risks.
Empowering Asia Through Agribiotechnology Training
The Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA) is a key capacity-building initiative designed to equip Asian scientists and regulators with expertise in biotechnology policies and regulations. This program is a collaborative effort between the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, Inc. (ISAAA Inc.) and the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC).
ASCA aims to foster a unified, science-based voice for regulations that support biotechnology R&D, commercialization, and trade. It also addresses the critical need for training more Asian biotech players, especially given the resource constraints often faced by developing countries.
The 8th Asian Short Course on Biotechnology Regulation and Communication (ASCA 8) will take place from September 8 to 12, 2025, at Vivere Hotel, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.
ASCA has a history of successful events across the region, including in Malaysia (2018), the Philippines (2019, 2022), virtual sessions (2020, 2021), Indonesia (2023), and Thailand (2024), with over 200 participants completing the short course since its inception.
The short course is focused on the following learning themes:
- value chain related to the research, development, commercialization, and trade of living-modified organisms (LMOs) and gene-edited crops/organisms;
- national and international legal instruments governing LMOs and products of gene editing;
- effective communication of agricultural biotechnology innovations and biosafety regulation;
- bioethical considerations and stewardship; and
- role of science diplomacy in international negotiations
Scope of the Training
- Conceptual first-hand information from scientists, the development of biotech (genetic modification and genome editing) crops and animals (from the lab to the market)
- Lecture, discussion, and exercises on environmental and food/feed safety assessment of biotech products
- Innovations in agricultural biotechnology, benefits, and impact on trade and economy.
- Biosafety regulations, bioethical considerations, and stewardship
- Strategic communication methods (in quad media), including risk communication
- Basics of science diplomacy and its use in international negotiations
Fees
The participation fee for ASCA 8 is US$1,000. This amount covers the following:
- Lunch and snacks throughout the workshop, and a welcome dinner on the first day
- All transportation for organized visits to biotechnology farms and research institutions
- Complete access to workshop materials and training kits
Please be advised that this fee does not include accommodation, airfare, or any charges associated with fund transfers.
A discounted early bird rate of US$900 is available for registrations completed by July 31, 2025.
Payments can be made via PayPal or bank transfer. For inquiries regarding alternative payment methods, please do not hesitate to send a message to meetings@isaaa.org.