Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in collaboration with the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (University Consortium or UC), proudly takes the lead as this year’s host institution for the 9th University Consortium Summer School (UCSS 2025), a sought-after academic engagement among member universities. Carrying the theme “Ridge to Reef: Integrated Management for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems,” the program officially commenced on July 28, 2025.

Bringing together 27 graduate students from six countries—the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia—the opening day featured an opening ceremony and a series of insightful lectures on Integrated Pest Management Across Agroecosystems, Land Evaluation and Land Use Allocation, and Integrated Management for Food Security and Resiliency.

Running from July 28 to August 8, 2025, the 12-day summer school presents a rigorous and immersive learning experience through a combination of expert-led lectures, hands-on fieldwork, and community engagement. UCSS 2025 is designed to prepare emerging scholars and professionals with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate and address the growing challenges confronting food systems across Southeast Asia and beyond.