TITLE: Exploring Innovative Solutions in Food Sciences and Agriculture

The Summer Academy aims to offer a model for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between participants and experts in the field of food sciences and agriculture. Through lectures, interactive discussions, and practical workshops led by university professors, industry representatives, and NGO experts, the academy will focus on the design and implementation of innovative products and processes. The goal is to achieve high results in sustainable food production, covering aspects of certification as well.

The International Summer Academy on “Exploring Innovative Solutions in Food Sciences and Agriculture” offers a deep and comprehensive approach through analyzing existing best practices and identifying the need for improvement and advancement. The aim is to increase the competence of participants by providing knowledge and skills to identify alternatives and problem-solving approaches to current and future challenges.

The Summer Academy aims to combine the experiences and knowledge of the participants, including a wide range of actors from academia, industry, and experts.

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Identify innovations in food technology and agriculture:

Participants will have the ability to identify and assess key innovations happening in the field of food technology and agriculture, including new technologies and best practices.

• Evaluate safety and sustainability:

Participants will be able to assess safety and sustainability aspects in food production, processing, and consumption, identifying and addressing critical threats to these processes.

• Understand sectoral importance:

Participants will understand the importance of different sectors starting from field design to processing level, and will know how to integrate this knowledge into their professional practices.

• Become familiar with certification schemes and safety standards:

Participants will become familiar with certification schemes, the development of different sectors in Kosovo, as well as safety standards including allergens and microorganisms in the food and beverage industry.

• Gain in-depth knowledge of future challenges and needs:

Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the current and future challenges and needs of society and industry. They will be prepared to face these challenges as researchers and experts, developing innovative and sustainable solutions.

• Understand the impact of new technologies:

Participants will understand the impact of new technologies and digitalization in the agriculture and food sector, including the use of big data, artificial intelligence, and automation to improve production and processing.

• Develop project management skills:

Participants will develop practical project management skills in the field of agriculture and food technology, including planning, execution, and evaluation of projects for sector development.

• Strengthen professional networking:

Participants will strengthen their professional networking by connecting with field experts, colleagues, and various organizations operating in the agriculture and food technology sector.

These expected outcomes will help participants be more prepared and equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to the development and improvement of the food and agriculture sector in Kosovo and beyond.

Target groups:

Students in the fields of Agriculture, Food Systems and Technology, Nutrition Sciences, and other related fields.

Through this summer academy, participants will be better prepared to face current and future challenges in the agriculture and food technology sectors, benefiting from the knowledge and experiences of experts.