By Kelly Zarka and Jan Fierro et.al
Michigan State University recently hosted the Global Biotechnology Symposium; Agricultural Biotech for a Better World bringing together over 90 agricultural stakeholders, regulators, policymakers, research scientists, and international development professionals from 19 countries to explore global perspectives in agricultural genetic engineering.
The symposium opened at the MSU Henry Center for Executive Development with welcome greetings from MSU administration and a keynote address from Lawrence Kent, Senior Program Officer of the Gates Foundation, a leader in global agri-biotechnology funding.
Dr. Karim Maredia, Associate Dean and Director of the World Agriculture Center within MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), and his team organized the symposium which included a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the annual summer International Agricultural Biotechnology, Biosafety, and Technology Transfer Short Course offered through CANR. Since its inception, the course has hosted attendees from 97 countries. PSM’s Professor Emeritus in International Agronomy, Dr. Russ Freed recognized the significance of Dr. Maredia’s global contributions to agricultural biotechnology over the last quarter century during the symposium’s reception and PSM’s Dr. David Douches, Dr. Cholani Weebadde, Dr. Christy Sprague and Ms. Kelly Zarka were honored as invaluable resources and course contributors throughout the program’s 25 years.
The symposium focused on topics impacting global agricultural biotechnology which include science and innovation, policy and regulations, technology transfer, commercialization, seed systems, international trade, public acceptance, capacity building, communication, education and training.
Source : msu.edu