From 30 June to 4 July 2025, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek (UNIOS) hosted the International Summer School, titled “FOOD FORWARD: Green Bites for Sustainable Urban Future”.
The school was organised within our COLOURS European University Alliance, in the format of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), and brought together 70 participants from 18 countries and 21 universities. The main focus was on sustainable food systems, urban agriculture, green innovations, and strengthening international cooperation in higher education.
Dual Format: Virtual Introduction and On-Site Application
Before arriving in Osijek, from 24 to 26 June 2025, the virtual component took place via the MS Teams platform. Lectures were delivered by:
- Prof. Andrijana Rebekić, PhD (UNIOS) – Introduction to the topics and Summer School programme.
- Prof. Carmen Martínez, PhD (University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) – Analysis of local sustainability in developing urban food initiatives.
- Prof. Martín Muñoz Morales, PhD (UCLM, Spain) – Sustainable technologies for soil remediation and promoting the circular economy in agriculture.
This part provided the theoretical foundation and preparation for the practical portion of the programme in Osijek.
Five Days of Knowledge, Fieldwork, and Collaboration
The in-person part of the programme was held at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek (FAZOS), as well as other locations in Osijek and the surrounding area. Participants took part in lectures, workshops, field visits, and cultural activities.
Lecturers and topics included:
- Prof. Bojana Brozović, PhD (UNIOS) – Smart agriculture and resilience to climate change
- Dr. Sanja Jelić Milković, PhD (UNIOS) – Marketing strategies for sustainable food choices
- Prof. Marin Kovačić, PhD (UNIOS) – “Bee-licious”: Flavours and value of bee products
- Prof. Natalija Velić, PhD (UNIOS) – Reducing food waste and landfill emissions
- Vlatka Buzjak Služek, BEng (HAPIH) – National activities to reduce food waste
- Prof. Nadezhda Stoyanova Kostadinova, PhD (St Cyril and St Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria) – Sustainability in academic practice: More resilient restaurants
- Dr. Valentina Španić, PhD (Agricultural Institute Osijek) – Genetic improvement of wheat for food security
From Classroom to Nature: Study Visit to Baranja
One of the highlights of the programme was the field visit to Baranja, where participants explored Kopački Rit Nature Park, visited Orlov Put eco-farm (an example of organic production), and toured the Belje winery, with a presentation of sustainable wine production practices. Additionally, attendees took a crash course in Croatian, enjoyed a guided tour of Osijek, and socialised at evening events that further fostered intercultural exchange.
Final Day: Presentations, Challenges, and Recognition
On the last day, student presentations, a Photo Challenge, and certificate awards took place. Participants shared their impressions, provided feedback, and expressed interest in further collaboration within the COLOURS network.
UNIOS and COLOURS: Together for a Sustainable Future
Through the FOOD FORWARD Summer School, UNIOS once again confirmed its commitment to sustainability-based education, innovative learning approaches, and international academic exchange. Osijek positioned itself on this occasion as a hub for discussion and developing concrete solutions to future challenges – one bite at a time.
