8th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA8)

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc., announces the opening of registration for the 8th Asian Short Course on Agribiotechnology, Biosafety Regulation, and Communication (ASCA8), which will be held on September 8-12, 2025, at Vivere Hotel, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.

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.

Since its establishment in 2018, ASCA has trained over 200 individuals, including scientists, regulators, communication specialists, and other stakeholders from government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations throughout Asia.

ASCA consistently features prominent international experts who serve as resource speakers and facilitate interactive discussions. The program also includes provincial day tours to biotech research facilities and farms, offering hands-on activities designed to enhance participants' knowledge and practical skills.

Participation in ASCA promotes a collaborative environment, fostering valuable networking opportunities among participants and experts. This synergy encourages the convergence of scientific innovation and robust regulations, ultimately ensuring the responsible advancement of modern biotechnology for maximum societal benefit. Download the flyer for more details.

This short course is co-organized with the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), Pt-Bio, CropLife Asia, CropLife Philippines, CropLife Indonesia, CropLife Vietnam, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service/US Embassy Jakarta, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Bayer Asia Pacific, and the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Participants' fee is US$1,000 (exclusive of fund transfer service charges, accommodation, and airfare). Registration closes on August 31, 2025.