Scientists from Indonesia, China and South Africa held master-classes for RUDN University ecologists

Professor Qingzhu Zhang from the Northeast Forestry University (Harbin, China) gave a lecture on epigenetics and plant adaptation. He explained how birch trees change their DNA without mutations to adapt to the climate.

Dr Yudi Setiawan from Bogor Agricultural University (Indonesia) devoted a master class to climate threats and GIS analysis. Using Southeast Asia as an example, he showed how satellite data predict the effects of droughts and fires, why rice paddies are particularly vulnerable to warming, and what digital tools are used to monitor ecosystems.

Dr Philemon Tsele from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, spoke about the use of drones and machine learning in agriculture. Students learnt how to create hybrid models to estimate crop yields from drone data, predict crops through analysing chlorophyll in leaves, and apply methods in arid regions for three rice harvests per year.

“The masterclass highlighted diverse and actionable approaches to addressing pressing environmental issues. Spatial analysis was effectively demonstrated as a powerful tool for understanding landscape dynamics and informing sustainable land use planning. Remote sensing techniques were presented as essential for environmental monitoring, allowing for more accurate and scalable data collection. Each speaker presentation addressed practical, relevant to both local communities and the broader scientific discourse. Their relevance to current environmental priorities made them particularly effective. Thank you for this opportunity,” Nwobi Nelson Onyebuchi, first year PhD student, Assistant in the Department of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University

“The masterclass was very informative and the scientists shared their deep knowledge with us. I was impressed by the experience of using remote sensing techniques - tools that are indispensable in environmental management. The scientists explained how they can be used to detect dynamic changes in rice fields caused by extreme climate variability. The technology also helps to understand that some crops, such as rice, can be grown even during the dry season. This has led to the conclusion that rice can be grown three times a year in South Africa using irrigation techniques. The economic potential of this approach cannot be overemphasised. Triennial rice cultivation not only improves the food security of the region, but also contributes to its economic development. This is especially important for countries with developing agriculture, where efficient use of land resources is critical,” Dagbala Jacob, MSc student in the Integrated Solid Waste Management programme, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University

“This seminar was a testament to the fact that RUDN University is a truly international academic centre where cross-cultural knowledge exchange and global cooperation are not only encouraged but also welcomed. For students preparing to work in the field of ecology and environmental protection, it was both a learning experience and a professional awakening. Personally, as a student from Pakistan, I found the masterclass particularly relevant. The methodologies and ideas shared by the scientists are directly applicable to environmental work in South Asia, where biodiversity conservation, climate change resilience and environmental monitoring are becoming increasingly important areas of both public interest and professional needs,” Said Kumail Abbas, MSc student of the Climate Project Management programme Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University.