CONNECTS-UK 6th Open Forum:
‘Ancient Wisdom, Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Science: Plant Biotechnology for Food Security’
7 November

📍 Chemical Engineering Building > First Floor > Room CHEM-112- Chemical Engineer (University of Birmingham)

 

REGISTER HERE!

 

The event can also be attended online here!

Join online starting at 12:00 (UK time)

 

CONNECTS-UK is holding its 6th Open Forum  ‘Ancient Wisdom, Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Science: Plant Biotechnology for Food Security’ on

7 November, at the University of Birmingham at 12 pm – 4:15 pm (doors open for registration at 11 am).

Plant biotechnology in all of its forms holds great promise for enhancing crop yields, improving nutritional quality, and ensuring food security in the face of climate change and population growth. At the same time, there are important questions about potential environmental impact, ethical considerations about indigenous practices, and potential risks of food manipulation.

This event will explore both the benefits and challenges of plant biotechnology including transgenic and gene-edited crops, examining current policies, the latest research, and the diverse perspectives of consumers. By sharing insights and experiences, we aim to deepen our understanding of how innovative biotechnologies — alongside new investment platforms in regenerative food and agricultural systems — can contribute to a sustainable and secure food future for all.

Key questions include:

• How can recent advanced research in plant biotechnology, including transgenic and gene-editing technologies, help address the challenges of climate change and global food insecurity?
• How can we build inclusive agricultural systems that share the gains of innovation fairly and respect indigenous practices across the globe?
• What role can innovative investment platforms and regenerative agricultural systems play in supporting sustainable biotechnology solutions and building consumer trust?

Through two panels and a roundtable discussion, leading UK and international voices will explore pressing issues from multiple perspectives.

AGENDA

11:00-12:00 – Registration and Refreshments

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12:00-12:15 Welcome remarks

• Introduced by Niek Buurma, CONNECTS-UK and Dutch Network of Academics in the UK (DNA UK), Cardiff University
• Rob MacKenzie, Director, Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham
• Dr. Annette Kliemann, Counsellor on agriculture and food, Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom

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12:15-13:15 Panel 1: Case studies of the state of scientific research in biotechnology (in all of its forms)

• Christine Helen Foyer, Professor, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham,
       “Plant Responses to a High CO₂ World”
• Ana Rita Sousa, Formerly University of Reading, Post-doctoral researcher (Portugal)
       “Unlocking Ancient Preservation Secrets with Microbial Biotechnology”
• Michał Słota, Director of Scientific Affairs of the Institute of Microbiological Technologies (Turek, Poland) / Nando UAB (Lithuania)
• Mónica Meijón, Professor, University of Oviedo (Spain)
       “Remembering to Survive: A Conserved Stress Response in Plants?”
• Dr. Estrella Luna Diez, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham,
       “Reaping the Benefits of Plant Vaccination”
  
  Q&A

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13:15-14:00 Networking lunch

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14:00-15:00 Panel 2: Biotechnology and society – impacts and public opinion

• Constanza Robles Fumarola, Founding Partner, Inanna (France)
       “Grounding Innovation in Systems”
• Bart Kuiter, Program Developer Metropolitan Food Systems, AMS Institute & Wageningen University & Research (The Netherlands)
       “Preparing for the Future”
• Carlos Magdalena, Scientific & Botanical Research Horticulturist Royal Botanical Garden, Kew
       “Understanding the Victoria Waterlilies, a Vegetable Wonder and the Queen of the Aquatic Plants”
• Jasper Zwinkels, The Protein Project (Belgium)
       “The role of fungi in the future food system – From food innovations to food security”
  
  Q&A
  

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15:00-15:20 Coffee-break and refreshments

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15:20-16:00 Roundtable:  What value and opportunities can interdisciplinary connections bring? And how can we contribute to trust in science and research?

• Chair: Rosa Sanchez-Lucas, Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
• Katrien Martens, Co-founder The Protein Project (Belgium)
• Luis Valledor Gonzalez, Associate Professor, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo (Spain)
• Prof. Michael Garratt, Research Professor, Department of Sustainable Land Management, School of Agriculture Policy and Development, University of Reading

          Q&A

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16:00-16:15 – Prizes (posters and videos) and Wrap-up

We welcome everyone interested in biotechnology and food security, from curious newcomers to experienced experts. The event is free and open to all, with networking opportunities included. Hosted by the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham, the event is set in an environment where plant science and sustainability are at the forefront of research.

Travel Reimbursements:

For those travelling from outside Birmingham, we offer travel reimbursements of up to £150 (limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis). Please remember to keep your travel receipts, as these will be required to process your claim.

Poster and Video Competition:

We are also hosting a poster and video competition with a cash prize. You can find more information and the submission form clicking here.

ADD THE EVENT TO YOUR GOOGLE CALENDAR!

Stay tuned for more details — we look forward to seeing you there!

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For any inquiries please contact events.comms@connects-uk.org

 

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This event is organised by CONNECTS-UK, a collaborative project conceptualised in 2022 by the scientific diasporas of Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Netherlands, and Spain in the UK, together with Native Scientists. The diaspora of Slovenia is now also associated with CONNECTS-UK. The main goals of CONNECTS-UK are to strengthen EU-UK scientific collaboration and research mobility but also the showcase the impact of science.

CONNECTS-UK is co-funded by the European Union. This event is supported by the the Government of the Netherlands in the UK and  FECYT (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology)

The objective of the Open Fora is to bring together leading researchers in the EU and the UK, who present their research to an expert and non-expert audience. With these events, CONNECTS-UK aims to connect EU researchers and academics working in the UK, to give visibility to their achievements and to transfer scientific knowledge to the broader society.

 

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Image: Faraday Monument, Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower (2011), by brianac37.
Licensed under CC BY 2.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons.