The field training program, GCOE-INeT International summer school on “Frontier in Ecosystem Ecology of Northern Forest” was held June 14-20, 2009 in Hokkaido University’s experimental forests that are included within the JaLTER (Japan Long-Term Ecological Research Network). Nineteen Ph.D. students from eight countries (Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and UK) attended in this program.
Analyses of ecosystem processes across various spatial and temporal scales are essential to help clarify ecosystem functions and services as influenced by climate changes, air pollution, land-use changes and disturbances both natural and anthropogenic. The main aim of the program was to encourage the participants to develop research projects that include international perspectives. This program gave various opportunities for students using; Field sessions, Poster session, Lectures, Review discussions and Proposal trainings on ecosystem ecology.
All of the students were very interactive and had positive attitude during the entire program. There were many interactive discussions, communications and information exchanged among the participants during the formal program and informal social activities. The organizing committee believes that this summer school provided new and helpful experiences to students for their current research program and future international communications and collaboration. This summer school will be held annually through 2012 using the different JaLTER sites and research stations of Hokkaido University.