Summer School Title
Applied Seed Physiology
Date
4–29 August 2025
Hosting University
University of Hohenheim
Venue
Institute of Seed Science and Technology located in Hohenheim, Fruwirthstraße 21, 70599 Stuttgart, GERMANY
Federal ex situ Genebank located at IPK Gatersleben, Corrensstraße 3, 06466 See-land, GERMANY
Background of Summer School / Introduction
Seed physiology is fundamental to agriculture and horticultural production, biodiversity conservation and biotechnology. Knowledge of seed development, maturation, storage and germination is essential to complement our understanding of seed quality and to develop new innovative technology. Overall, the course aims to prepare the next generation of seed technologist for seed companies and covers topics such as:
- Physiology of germination, seed dormancy, seed priming
- Physiological pathways, i.e. ABA, GA
- Training in germination, vigour tests, moisture testing
- Application of seed treatments using bacteria and phytohormones
- Molecular analysis, including RNA extraction and qPCR analysis
- Development of a Podcast
- Development of a Poster
Maximum number of participants
8
Pre-requisites
Students with bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Sciences, Crop Sciences, Agricultural Biology are welcome to apply. Basic knowledge of seed science is recommended.
Applicants must submit a statement of motivation (maximum 200 words) for why they wish to participate in this summer school program and respond to specific questions related to their academic background, research objectives, and particular qualifications they like to acquire. Some basic skills in seed science are recommended.
Application
Motivation letter, max. 1250 characters
Application Deadline
- May 17, 2025, 08:00 CEST
- Applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance or rejection by May 30, 2025
Course Content
- Understand the physiology of seed germination, seed dormancy, seed priming
- Evaluate physiological pathways, i.e. ABA, GA
- Train in germination, vigour and moisture testing
- Apply seed treatments using bacteria, phytohormones
- Hands-on training on RNA extraction and qPCR analysis
- Development of a Podcast for seed technologists
- Development of a Poster for seed technologists
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
After completing the course, the participants should be able to:
- Explain the physiological basis of seed germination, dormancy and priming including specific molecular pathways, the function of oxidative species and transcriptional regulation
- Understand and evaluate new developments in seed technology
- Prepare and evaluate a scientific poster (A0 format)
- Prepare and evaluate a podcast interview
Course Schedule
- 2 to 3 August 2025: Arrival of participants (weekend)
- 4 to 15 August 2025: Lectures and practical training in Hohenheim
- 16 to 24 August 2025: Poster preparation (self-study and leisure time)
- 25 to 29 August 2025: Excursion to IPK Gatersleben
Course Language
English
Course Format
On-site course: mix of lectures, practical training, excursions, presentations by students, role play discussions, group work, social events
Number of Credits [ECTS]
7.5
TOTAL Workload [hours]
225 estimated
Student's own work [hours]
105 estimated
Contact classes [hours]
120 lectures and practical training + 30 hours excursion
Exam [hours]
Podcast (20 min) interview using self-developed poster
Type of Assessment
Active and successful participation in all lectures and practical training before the excursion. Preparation of a poster (50%) and podcast interview as interviewer (25%) and interviewee (25%) on a chosen seed technology
Cultural Activities / Social Program
The program will involve a campus walk in Hohenheim and Gatersleben, Welcome drinks and Farewell dinner, visit to a federal institute JKI and the UNESCO world heritage city Quedlinburg and other social activities in Hohenheim and Quedlinburg.
Costs
We recommend the participants from abroad buy a "Deutschland Ticket" for public transport during the course, travel expenses and food are not included
Travel expenses for excursion Hohenheim-Gatersleben are included
Accommodation
Hohenheim university: Self-organized accommodation (4-24th August 2025)
IPK: Pre-booked furnished rooms (25-29th August 2025)
Health Insurance
Participants are responsible for adequate health insurance during their participation in the program
Visa
If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below
Link to online Application form
- Registration is on the University of Hohenheim's open ILIAS platform. To do this, you first need an account on the platform. You can find information on how to do this here: https://openilias.uni-hohenheim.de/login.php?client_id=UHOH2&cmd=force_login&lang=en
- Application form: https://openilias.uni-hohenheim.de/goto.php?target=crs_60519&client_id=UHOH2
Contact person for scientific questions
Manuela Nagel
Email: nagel@ipk-gatersleben.de
Contact person for administrative questions
Sebastian Bopper
Email: sebastian.bopper@uni-hohenheim.de