At the 2025 Tropentag conference, the ATSAF Academy Networking Event 2025. Organized as a closed session, it brought together current students of the academy and its alumni for a series of presentations, discussions, and exchange.

The ATSAF Academy has long been a hub for nurturing young researchers in agricultural sciences, connecting them with experienced professionals and providing a platform to grow both academically and personally. This year’s networking event carried that tradition forward, offering a space not only to celebrate achievements but also to reflect on the academy’s evolving role in shaping future leaders.

The session began with a warm welcome from the organisers, followed by presentations from alumni who shared their journeys since completing the academy program. Their stories highlighted how the skills, mentorship, and international exposure they received continue to guide their careers whether in academia, development, or policy.

Equally inspiring were the student presentations, which showcased current research projects and aspirations. From tackling food security challenges to advancing sustainable agricultural systems, their work demonstrated both ambition and a clear sense of responsibility to contribute to global solutions.

Beyond the formal talks, the networking element was just as important. Informal exchanges allowed students and alumni to reconnect, discuss career pathways, and explore potential collaborations. As one participant remarked: “The Academy is more than a training, it is a community. And communities grow stronger when they meet face to face.”

By the end of the session, it was clear that the ATSAF Academy continues to play a vital role in building bridges across generations of researchers. The event reinforced the idea that sustainable futures are not built in isolation, but through mentorship, shared learning, and networks that span both disciplines and continents.