This specialized training represents a significant milestone toward the project’s objective of integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into higher education curricula, particularly in the fields of plant breeding and biotechnology. The VR equipment, funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program, will support immersive teaching and learning experiences across partner universities in Africa and the Middle East.

The session was attended by academic and technical staff from ANNU, who were trained on:

1. Setting up and configuring VR headsets for classroom use
2. Navigating interactive simulations related to genetic engineering, plant pathology, and biotechnology labs
3. Integrating VR modules into existing and newly developed curricula
4. Ensuring safe and effective usage of equipment in educational environments

Prof. Munqez Shtaya, the director of the scientific centers and the local project coordinator, commented: "The incorporation of virtual reality into our academic programs allows students to interact with complex biological systems in a way that was never possible before. It will bridge the gap between theory and practice and foster deeper engagement with the subject matter."

The activity aligns with BREEDTECH's broader mission to modernize educational infrastructures, enhance research and teaching capacities, and promote digital innovation in partner institutions. Through such investments, the project seeks to equip the next generation of agricultural scientists with the skills and tools necessary to address climate resilience and food security challenges.

The BREEDTECH consortium includes 10 institutions from Kenya, Ethiopia, Palestine, Italy, Sweden, and Serbia, working together over a 3-year period to implement advanced, harmonized education in plant sciences and biotechnology.