Empowering Online Training: A CGIAR-Open University Collaboration

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted CGIAR's traditional in-person training methods, the CGIAR’s Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT faced a considerable challenge on capacity building around plant generic resource policy in particular. Dedicated to improving food systems worldwide for vulnerable populations, they sought support to transition seamlessly to online training.

In spring 2020, CGIAR joined forces with the Open University, along with Clear Focus Productions and Sentis, to tackle this challenge. Together, we crafted a dynamic online course rich in multimedia content and interactive features, designed to cater to diverse learning styles. This course, available in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, marked a significant shift in the training approach of the CGIAR Genebank Initiative’s plant genetic resources policy team.

Since its launch in spring 2021, the course has continually evolved based on valuable feedback from participants. Currently, a new version is in development, poised to provide invaluable regulatory insights to agriculture research scientists worldwide.

This collaborative effort has not only enhanced CGIAR Genebank Initiative's capacity-building but also contributed to CGIAR Genebank Initiative's objectives around global food security. It underscores the Open University's expertise in assisting international organisations in addressing pressing global challenges effectively, demonstrating how online training solutions can help organisations adapt and thrive in changing circumstances.

We have very much appreciated the technical know-how of the OU team who have done their utmost to provide a bespoke and high-quality online course, that meets our needs while combining best practice in the world of online didactics.

Isabel Lopez Noriega
Policy and Legal Specialist
Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (CGIAR)