The IRRDB Youth Expert Group (NextGeNRE), led by Mr. Jess Bryan M. Alvariño from the Philippine Rubber Research Institute, has launched a series of online seminars to be held throughout 2024.
This initiative aims to provide a professional platform for young researchers to share knowledge, promote innovation, and update information related to the natural rubber industry.
First Seminar: Statistical Analysis in Rubber Research
The opening seminar, titled “Statistical Analysis Used in Rubber Research,” was held on June 11, 2024.
Key topics included the use of appropriate statistical designs and methods such as covariance analysis, multivariate analysis, and participatory research approaches.
Speakers also discussed resource sharing, including statistical guides and datasets for practice in plant breeding and genetics, as well as the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Emerging technologies like big data and artificial intelligence (AI) were highlighted as transformative tools for modern rubber research, emphasizing the need to strengthen statistical methods in scientific studies.
Second Seminar: Advances in Rubber Breeding
The second session, held on July 4, 2024, was titled “Recent Advances in Research and Future Commitments in Rubber Breeding.”
During this event, Dr. Dato’ Seri Abdul Aziz, Secretary-General of IRRDB, stressed the importance of rubber breeding programs across member countries and the continuing evolution of the field.
He noted that while traditional clonal development remains time-consuming, new methods are helping to accelerate breeding cycles.
Dr. Aziz also emphasized the need for developing new disease-resistant, high-yielding clones, and shared insights into the historical success of several clones developed by IRRDB member institutes.
Through the NextGeNRE initiative, IRRDB aims to empower the next generation of rubber researchers, promote scientific collaboration, and advance innovation in sustainable natural rubber production globally.