EMMA4EU Pro: four-week specialisation course in sustainable and deforestation-free commodity supply chains

EMMA4EU Pro is a four-week specialization course designed for students and professionals seeking to enhance their skills in creating sustainable and traceable supply chains. Building on the Online Advanced Training Course, this program offers in-depth knowledge and practical tools for managing deforestation risks and ensuring compliance across various sectors.

The EMMA4EU project aims to train a new generation of professionals who will assist companies and organizations in complying with the European Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR). This initiative focuses on managing the transition to and developing deforestation-free supply chains. 

Course details

Who is it for?

Students and professionals who want to acquire knowledge and skills in Deforestation-free Supply Chain Management through a four-week intensive specialization course.

Course Format

Four-week specialisation programme: 1 week online + 3 weeks in presence

Language

English

Duration

From 25 August 2025 to 19 September 2025

Certification

The course is equivalent to 6 ECTS, and a certificate will be awarded upon successful completion.

Cost

Students enrolled at Erasmus+ EMMA4EU partner universities (University of Padua, Wageningen University, University of Freiburg, Copenhagen Business School, and Makerere University) are eligible for a scholarship covering almost all the school’s costsDuring the application procedure, all participants are required to pay a pre-enrolment fee of around €30.

The course fee for other students and professionals is €547,50.

Location

Legnaro, province of Padova (Italy)

The course will be hosted at the University of Padova in the historical building Corte Benedettina (30 minutes by bus from Padova city center).

deadline for application

The application must be submitted by 28 July at 12:30 PM CEST

Training institution

University of Padua, supported by EMMA4EU partners. More information here.

Teachers

EMMA4EU partners: top-level academic and non-academic experts with specific competence and experience in the field of DFSC.

Enroll in the course!

Don’t miss the chance to meet an international environment and submit your application by July 28

What will you find in the course?

The 4-week specialisation course “EMMA4EU Pro” will take place in hybrid mode and is structured into four modules combining theory, practice, and project-based learning.

Week 1

Online

Participants will study individually through asynchronous learning materials, supported by scheduled group discussions and facilitator exchanges.

WEEK 2 & 3

In person

Full-day sessions will take place on-site, combining interactive group work, seminars, round tables, field trips, and individual study moments.

WEEK 4

In person

Dedicated to developing individual projects, with tailored feedback and guidance from tutors.

Module 1 – Understanding Deforestation and its Drivers

The module introduces deforestation dynamics, related policies, risk analysis tools, and voluntary instruments for sustainable supply chain management.

Module 2 – Tools and Technologies

The second module offers an in-depth exploration of tools and technologies for monitoring, verification, traceability, and reporting in the management of deforestation-free supply chains.

Module 3 – Project Development and Business Models

Focus on designing project proposals and business models that integrate deforestation-free strategies, with attention to planning, finance, and communication.

Module 4 – Individual Project Work

Each participant develops a tailored project proposal, applying the skills acquired during the course with the support of expert facilitators.

You can find additional information about the course on the dedicated page of the University of Padova.

Why enroll in this course?

The EMMA4EU Pro provides exceptional opportunities to develop specialised skills and prepare for a successful deforestation-free supply chain management career.

Advance Course

EUDR Expert

Gain expertise in EUDR compliance and become a key reference point for managing deforestation-free supply chains.

Advance Course

International
Network

Learn from top professors and professionals in the field of DFSC management. This advanced training course involves five universities and five specialised private organisations.

Advance Course

Official course with ECTS credits

This four-week specialization course is part of the EMMA4EU European project and is EU-funded. The course is designed following international standards.

Advance Course

Global Career

Unlock a highly international career path and access further in-person training opportunities, including internships across various European locations.

The first edition is closed

Want to stay updated on upcoming editions and/or other training opportunities? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Admission criteria

To enroll in the EMMA4EU Specialisation Course, candidates must submit a project proposal along with general documents related to their academic background during the enrollment process.

Project proposal

Applicants must submit a written project proposal (maximum 6 pages or 3,000 words in English). The proposal should focus on a specific supply chain involving Forest Risk Commodities (FRCs) and include the following sections:

  • Context analysis & problem identification (max 2 pages)
  • Tools & methodologies for risk management (compliance with policies and regulations, use of technology, and voluntary instruments – max 1 page)
  • Risk analysis & mitigation strategies (covering managerial, technical, financial, and communication aspects – max 2 pages)
  • Conclusions (summary of findings and suggested implementation steps – max 1 page)

If you have completed the EMMA4EU e-learning course on Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Management, you may submit the project developed during that training.

Project proposal

Applicants must submit a written project proposal or upload previous coursework or relevant documentation to demonstrate a basic understanding of the topic. The commission will evaluate and consider each case.

Skills you will acquire

The proposed course aims to bridge the skills gap by equipping participants with theoretical and practical expertise. Trainees will be prepared to assume roles as managers and technicians of DFSC, with skills tailored to meet regulatory demands and market challenges.

Key competencies offered by the course include:

  • Mastery of tools and databases for identifying and analysing deforestation and forest degradation processes across global, regional, national, and local scales.
  • In-depth understanding of major international policies addressing deforestation and forest degradation.
  • Familiarity with voluntary sustainability standards for agricultural and forest resource management and their effectiveness in mitigating deforestation risks.
  • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks in FRC-producing countries and their implications for supply chains.
  • Proficiency in tools for analyzing trade flows, monitoring supply chains, tracking goods, and assessing associated risks.
  • Managerial capabilities for planning, implementing, and maintaining due diligence systems, including activity and resource planning and cost analysis.
  • Technical expertise for data collection, analysis, and visualization to identify, quantify, and mitigate deforestation risks.
  • Soft skills for effective stakeholder engagement, impact communication, and public dissemination.

Don’t miss out!

Subscribe to the EMMA4EU newsletter for updates on enrollment dates, course details, and exclusive insights.

How to enroll in the course

The EMMA4EU Pro, coordinated by the University of Padua, requires enrollment through the university’s portal. Here’s the info you’ll need to apply successfully!

Deadline:

Application closes on July 28 at 12:30 PM CEST.

Fees:

All participants are required to pay a pre-enrolment fee of €30. Students enrolled at Erasmus+ EMMA4EU partner universities are eligible for a scholarship covering almost all the costs of the school, while the course fee for other students and professionals is €547,50.

Contacts:

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out cordinators:
mauro.masiero@unipd.it

giovanni.bausano@unipd.it

aynur.mammadova@unipd.it

 To ensure your success during the application process, open this tutorial document in another tab before you start.

Do you have any questions or doubts?

EMMA4EU - Partners and universities