Course Type: Flavour School
Flavour Schools are short, intensive programmes (four days) that bring together students from across the ACE2-EU alliance to collaborate on real-world challenges connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through interactive workshops, teamwork, and project-based learning, participants explore innovative solutions while developing cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. Designed as a short mobility opportunity, Flavour Schools offer a dynamic international experience for students who may not be able to join longer exchanges. They foster creativity, cooperation, and the European spirit of shared learning towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Duration and Timeline:
Award, Credits and Certification
On successful completion of the course participants will receive 1 ECTS credits and a certificate of attendance
Organized by:
Name of the University (Country )Lead and Host Institution
HOST: Santarém Polytechnic University(IPS) , Maria Godinho
Partners:
Medical University of Gdansk, (MUG) Maciej Tankiewicz
Kaunas University of Applied Engineering Sciences (LIK) Vilda Grybauskiene
University Constantin Brâncusi Târgu-Jiu (UCB) Irina Pecingină
External stakeholders that will be involved in the course:
Agricultural and environmental sector – DGADR
Agriculture sector – COTHN; AGROTEJO;
Governance, policy, and certification – DGADR
Civil society and consumers – QUERCUS, CMSantarem
Course Description and Learning Objectives
This course explores the connections between living soil, food production, and environmental health through a One Health thematic strategy. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the One Health concept—from soil to fork and glass—while examining how regenerative agricultural practices support soil vitality and food composition. The course also covers the environmental impact of agriculture, the influence of soil microbiomes and arthropods on crop health, and the development of sustainable production strategies that promote both ecosystem integrity and food safety.
Course Description:
Course Structure
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive and applied understanding of the relationship between living soils, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem health, using a One Health approach. It is divided into several key components to ensure an engaging and multidisciplinary learning experience.
Onsite Sessions – These sessions offer hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Theoretical sessions – Complementing the onsite sessions, students will receive foundational instruction on key topics, including: The One Health concept applied to agriculture; Soil ecosystems and microbiomes; Agroecological and viticultural systems; Environmental assessment methodologies
Workshops – Interactive sessions where students explore core concepts such as One Health, soil health, and regenerative agriculture through collaborative activities and guided discussion.
Practical Activities- Field-based exercises that may include soil sampling and analysis, vineyard or farm visits, and demonstrations of regenerative farming techniques. These activities foster direct observation and critical thinking.
Case Studies – Analysis of real-world examples highlighting sustainable agriculture practices, environmental challenges, and food safety concerns. Case studies are used to develop problem-solving and systems-thinking skills.
Stakeholder Engagement – Students will engage with local farmers, agronomists, environmental scientists, and other stakeholders through interviews, panels, or site visits. This promotes understanding of diverse perspectives and challenges in implementing sustainable practices.
Specific learning objectives include:
Explain the principles of the One Health concept and how they apply across the food system—from soil to fork and glass.
Identify and describe regenerative agricultural practices that promote healthy and biologically active soils.
Evaluate the environmental impacts of different agricultural systems, with a focus on sustainability.
Analyze the roles of soil microbiomes and arthropods in maintaining crop health and resilience.
Develop and propose sustainable production strategies that integrate ecosystem health, food safety, and long-term agricultural productivity.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Which students would find this course useful for them?
This course may be suitable for students from ACE2-EU partner universities enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs in the following fields:
Agriculture sciences
Environment
Health and nutrition
This course is specially suited for students passionate about agriculture, environment conservation and food composition and quality.
Recommended Language Level :
Basic to intermediate level of English (B1-B2), as the working language will be English
Application Process:
Interested applicants should
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/Fxxm5MFFGQVkrd6RA
Deadline for receipt of applications: 25.01.2026
An acceptance email will be sent by the host institution and will include program registration details
Further Information
For any further information or queries related to the course, please contact:
Email: maria.godinho@esa.ipsantarem.pt
