PhD Course in Plant Protection Products: Use, Risk and Regulation at University of Copenhagen (Environmental Toxicology, Crop Protection, Ecotoxicology) University of Copenhagen in Denmark

The University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science is offering a specialised PhD course titled "Plant Protection Products: Use, Risk and Regulation" from March 16–25, 2026, at Frederiksberg Campus. Led by Professor Nina Cedergreen, a leading expert in Environmental Toxicology and project lead of the ENSAFE Project, this course is designed for PhD students interested in crop protection, sustainable agriculture, ecotoxicology, and biotechnological plant protection products.

The course integrates scientific, regulatory, and practical perspectives on chemical and biotechnological pesticides. Key topics include the mode of action of pesticides, ecotoxicology, environmental fate, risk assessment, and the regulatory framework governing pesticide use. Students will gain hands-on experience through laboratory experiments, focusing on dose-response studies with mustard beetles, and will analyze experimental data using R. The curriculum also covers the evolution of pesticide resistance, statistical analysis of biological data, and the application of quantitative methods to assess pesticide load and environmental impact.

Participants will learn to critically interpret data, understand the advantages and disadvantages of pesticide use, and discuss the societal and regulatory implications of plant protection products. The course includes an excursion to CropLife Denmark's Experimental Farm, providing real-world insights into crop protection practices. Guest lecturers from the Center of Ecology & Hydrology in the UK may also contribute to the course content.

Applicants should have a background in biology, biotechnology, agronomy, or a related natural science MSc. Basic knowledge of chemistry, data analysis, and R is advantageous. The course is open to PhD students from all faculties and universities, with 50% of seats reserved for UCPH Faculty of Science PhD students and 50% for others. Master's students from Danish universities may also apply. Seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a waiting list for non-PhD students until the enrollment deadline of February 1, 2026.

Funding varies by participant type: UCPH and Danish PhD school (open market) students attend for free, while foreign PhD and Master's students pay 6000 DKK. Non-PhD students not employed at a university pay 16,800 DKK. Cancellations and no-shows may incur additional fees. The course awards 5 ECTS credits upon successful completion, which requires at least 80% attendance and submission of all mandatory assignments.

For more information and to apply, visit the official course page or contact Professor Nina Cedergreen at [email protected]. This course is ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge and practical skills in plant protection, environmental toxicology, and regulatory science.