Visionary Speakers & Conference Orators
Dr. Andrei A. Bunaciu
Senior ResearcherRomania
Dr. Andrei A. Bunaciu
Senior ResearcherRomaniaBiography
Andrei A. Bunaciu was born in 1955 in Făgăraş, a small Transylvanian town in central Romania. He graduated from the Politehnica University of Bucharest in 1979. He received his Ph.D., in 1990, from the Politehnica University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry using as the theme of his dissertation, Ion-selective membrane electrodes applied in pharmaceutical drug analysis. For several years he worked as a Senior Researcher at the Central Laboratory for Scientific Control of Biological Products and Veterinary Drugs - Bucharest, the Institute of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research Bucharest, the Romanian Intelligence Service, and in the Vibrational Spectroscopy Department at SCIENT - Research Center for Instrumental Analysis, Tȃncăbeşti - Snagov. Since 2018, he has been the C.E.O. and senior researcher at AAB_IR research Bragadiru company. His research interests concern molecular recognition of pharmaceutical and biological compounds, using infrared spectroscopy techniques. He is the author/co-author of 97 publications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food analysis, including a book VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY APPLICATIONS IN BIOMEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICAL AND FOOD SCIENCES, published in 2020 by Elsevier, Inc., as well as three chapters: VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY APPLICATIONS IN DRUG-ANALYSIS, in Encyclopedia of Spectroscopy and Spectrometry, 3rd Edition, Lindon, J.C., Tranter, G.E. and Koppenaal, D.W. (eds.), Oxford; Elsevier, 2017, vol. 4, pp. 575-581, RECENT APPLICATIONS OF INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY IN BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS, in FTIR Spectroscopy: Advances in Research and Applications, edited by Adriana S. Franca and Leandro S. Oliveira, Nova Publishers, NY, USA, 2022, pp. 575-581, and respectively DETECTION OF PARAFFIN OIL ADULTERATION IN EDIBLE OILS USING FTIR SPECTROSCOPY, in Pharmaceutical Research: Recent Advances and Trends, edited by Kevin Fernandez, 2024, vol 9, pp. 55-69
Speech Title
Dr. Nate Blum
Chief Executive Officer at Sorghum United FoundationUSA
Dr. Nate Blum
Chief Executive Officer at Sorghum United FoundationUSABiography
Will be updated Soon
Speech Title
Will be updated Soon
Dr. Filip van Noort
Crop specialist Wageningen UR Greenhouse HorticultureNetherlands
Dr. Filip van Noort
Crop specialist Wageningen UR Greenhouse HorticultureNetherlandsBiography
Will be updated soon
Speech Title
Will be updated soon
Prof. Jorge A Zavala
University of Buenos AiresArgentina
Prof. Jorge A Zavala
University of Buenos AiresArgentinaBiography
Dr. Zavala studied Agronomy at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and graduated as MS in 2000. She then joined the research group of Prof. James at the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IGIC-BAS). He received his PhD degree in 2004 and a two-year postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany. After two year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign supervised by Profs May Berenbaum and Evan DeLucia, USA he obtained the position of an Associate Professor at the University of Buenos Aires, School of Agronomy. He has published more than 70 research articles in SCI(E) journals
Speech Title
Chiara Broccanello
University of VeronaItaly
Chiara Broccanello
University of VeronaItalyBiography
Chiara Broccanello is a Temporary Assistant Professor in Agricultural Genetics at the Department of Biotechnology of the University of Verona. She is graduated at the University of Padova in 'Food Biotechnology' and she obtained a PhD in 'Animal and Food Science' in the same University. The main research area involved the identification of molecular makers for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in cultivated plants. She published more then 30 peer-reviewed articles.
Speech Title
Elena Mateos Martinez PhD
Universidad de SevillaSpain
Elena Mateos Martinez PhD
Universidad de SevillaSpainBiography
Elena Mateos Martínez studied Biology at the Seville University, Spain and graduated as MS dregree in 2017. Master in Environmental Analysis and Management at the Malaga University, Spain. PhD student at University of Seville in the research group of Ecology, Cytogenetics and Natural Resources. Researcher for the Research Foundation of the University of Seville since 2019. She has published several articles in relation to ecophysiological aspects of urban green infrastructure and its role as a carbon dioxide sink. Participated in the research project in collaboration with the city council of Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, for which the Association of Public Parks and Gardens awarded the first prize in 2022.
Speech Title
Carla Geovana of the Birth Macario
University of BrasíliaBrazil
Carla Geovana of the Birth Macario
University of BrasíliaBrazilBiography
She holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Brasília (1988), a master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1997) and a PhD in Computer Science (2009), both from the State University of Campinas, and an MBA in Management with an emphasis on Leadership and Innovation from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (2024). She has experience in Computer Science, with an emphasis on Databases, Software Engineering, and eScience. She has been a researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation since 1989. She was Deputy Head of Research and Development at Embrapa Digital Agriculture from September 2021 to March 2024, where she works with Research Data Management, Sustainability and Innovation, and Digital Inclusion of Rural Women, and is also coordinator of the GO FAIR Agro Brasil Thematic Network. She is a professor of the Postgraduate course in Digital Agriculture at the Polytechnic School of the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas and teaches Digital Agriculture courses in MBA courses at USP/Esalq. In 2008, she received the Brazil Women in Technology award from Google Inc
Speech Title
Dr. Dominica Una
Yorkville UniversityCanada
Dr. Dominica Una
Yorkville UniversityCanadaBiography
Experienced engineer holding a Ph.D. and an MBA with a specialized focus on Business Analytics and Small Business Management. Recognized for visionary leadership and adeptness in leveraging data to address challenges, formulate strategies, and resolve complex issues.
With over 8 years of international experience as a Certified Project Management Professional across diverse sectors including EPC, Energy, Health, and Non-profit. Acknowledged as a transformative leader in climate change, environment, health, and well-being, with a proven track record of fostering collaboration and mobilizing youth for societal impact.
Key Skills
• Business Analytics: Expertise in utilizing data insights for strategic decision-making.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Proficient in Digital Marketing Analysis, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Regression, and Variable Selection.
• Project Management: Skilled in overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring efficiency and goal attainment.
• Strategic Planning: Experienced in developing and executing comprehensive strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Salesforce: Proficient in leveraging Salesforce for CRM and business management functions.
Open to exploring new opportunities and collaborations aimed at driving positive change and innovation.
Speech Title
Prof. Shlomo Nir
The Hebrew University of JerusalemISRAEL
Prof. Shlomo Nir
The Hebrew University of JerusalemISRAELBiography
Speech Title
Vanessa Adams
Founder & CEOLevel4InternationalKenya
Vanessa Adams
Founder & CEOLevel4InternationalKenyaBiography
Vanessa Adams is Founder and CEO of a boutique consultancy, Level4International. She has over 25 years of experience working to drive economic impacts at the last mile and improve supply chains in over 40 countries. She works and partners with SMEs and multinational companies, governments, development partners, industry associations, and cooperatives. She has spent over 20 years working to improve livelihoods in 30 African countries with institutions, businesses, women and youth entrepreneurs and farmers to increase productivity, meet buyer specifications, access finance, and compete in international markets. She has facilitated and created hundreds of transformative strategic partnerships with governments, multilateral organizations and businesses to develop and implement strategies which increase productivity and international trade, expand investments, improve business environments, access financial services as well as reduce constraints to economic growth. She is an advocate and champion of women and youth entrepreneurs, and smallholder farmers. Vanessa is a frequent public advocate and speaker on leveraging partnerships and platforms to scale impact at the last mile, in particular driving sustainable trade and investment for economic and GDP growth while investing in women entrepreneurs, scaling sustainable trade for efficient supply chains, while using digitization for sustainable food systems, with a particular focus on investing in Africa.
Vanessa has significant leadership and management experience, including as VP of Strategic Partnerships and USAID Chief of Party, leading Digital Ag, championing Gender and Inclusion towards implementing a $500M strategy at AGRA under the Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa. Previously, she led the USAID Southern Africa and West Africa Trade and Investment Hubs, including $70+ million USD projects with multi-cultural teams, facilitating over $300 million in exports from Africa, and catalyzed over $70 million in investments as well as over $140 million in credit. She contributed to founding several pan-African organizations including the African Cashew Alliance, Borderless Alliance, and Global Shea Alliance, as well as creating the Agribusiness Dealroom, and the Women in Agribusiness Leadership Network in Ethiopia, and scaling platforms including the Farm to Market Alliance and Value4Her.
Vanessa has an Executive MBA from INSEAD.
Speech Title
Dr. Joel KOFFI
Research & Development EngineerGIKEN LTDJapan
Dr. Joel KOFFI
Research & Development EngineerGIKEN LTDJapanBiography
Experienced Environmental Engineer, Civil Engineer, Water and Sanitation Engineer, and Climate Mitigation Specialist with over 14 years of expertise in water and sanitation, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and sustainable development. Proven track record and proficiencies in developing innovative solutions for climate-resilient water infrastructure, bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment systems, and renewable energy projects. Skilled in project monitoring and management, research, and implementing CO2 sequestration technologies for climate change mitigation. Seeking to leverage technical and managerial skills in a leadership role to drive sustainable development, improve water security, ensure affordable renewable energy, and enhance climate resilience in diverse global contexts.
Speech Title
Dr. Marie Charlotte ANSTETT
Research Scientist (CR1) CNRS University of BurgundyFrance
Dr. Marie Charlotte ANSTETT
Research Scientist (CR1) CNRS University of BurgundyFranceBiography
I am a Research fellow at CNRS, I ha dedicated my student and professional life to ecology and agronomy. In 1997, I joined CNRS in order to focus my work on a comparative study of pollination in palms using chemical ecology and field experiments. I conducted my research in India, Thailand, Borneo and also in the Mediterranean area.
I have been a member of the CRC (Centre for Research in Climatology, Biogeosciences Lab in Dijon) since 2014. My work now focuses on finding adequate ecological solutions in order to help farmers using more Earth and climate friendly methods. Recently I designed sustainable agro-ecological practices to restore the ecological services of pollination and pest regulation, that led to an increase in yield in blackcurrant orchards.
Speech Title
Restoring an ecosystem service: how preserving biodiversity increases the amount of blackcurrants that can be grown in orchards
Summit Speakers
Mr. Shane Hutto
Executive HorticulturalistUSA
Mr. Shane Hutto
Executive HorticulturalistUSABiography
will be updated soon
Speech Title
will be updated soon
Mr. Brandon Hunnicutt
Hunnicutt Farms and Nebraska Corn Board MemberUSA
Mr. Brandon Hunnicutt
Hunnicutt Farms and Nebraska Corn Board MemberUSABiography
I am a fifth-generation farmer, who currently farms with my semi-retired dad (Daryl) and my brother (Zach). We raise corn, soybeans, and popcorn. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Ag Business and spent a number of years working on post graduate classes dealing especially in technology, plant breeding, leadership, communications and science.
Our farm tries to stay up on the cutting edge of technology, with a stronger emphasis on data and irrigation. We continue to look at new ways to implement more cover crops, whether fall, spring or in season. We also use a few different technologies in dealing with water Management on our pivot irrigation to help reduce our water usage.
I am currently on the National Corn Growers Association Board of Directors, Vice-Chair of the Nebraska Corn Board and Chair the Field to Market Board of Directors.
Speech Title
will be updated soon
Mr. Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi
FounderMorraco
Mr. Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi
FounderMorracoBiography
Enthusiastic about ICTs with proven skills in telecommunications, communication,
internet governance, human rights protection, and biodiversity conservation.
Green Leaf AI, Fès-Meknès, Morocco
▪ Develop AI-driven solutions for agricultural disease detection and oversee product innovation,
team management, and strategic partnerships; Build strategic partnerships with agricultural
cooperatives, research institutions, and funding organizations to scale impact
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), New York, United States (remote)
▪ Support the implementation of the Digital Readiness Assessment and the Artificial Intelligence
Readiness Assessment, Support data analysis and coordination with UNDP country offices.
▪ Conduct background research for desk review, contributing to the development of draft reports
Speech Title
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Early Detection of Oil Palm Diseases in Benin
Mrs Agisanyang Tautsagae
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)Nairobi Kenya.
Mrs Agisanyang Tautsagae
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)Nairobi Kenya.Biography
Speech Title
Assessing Mineral Bioavailability and Antinutritional Factors in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius. L) genotypes for Sustainable Nutrition in Arid Regions
Paola Ganugi
Department of AgriculturalUniversity of Turin Italy
Paola Ganugi
Department of AgriculturalUniversity of Turin ItalyBiography
Speech Title
LivingSoiLL: Healthy Soil to Permanent Crops Living Labs
Mr. Denis Leparteleg
University of Central LancashireEngland
Mr. Denis Leparteleg
University of Central LancashireEnglandBiography
Speech Title
Regenerative Agriculture for Food Security
Miss. Jéssica Gimenes
University of São PauloBrazil
Miss. Jéssica Gimenes
University of São PauloBrazilBiography
Jéssica is an Agronomist and Project Manager, graduated from ESALQ-USP. With extensive experience in the agribusiness innovation sector, she specializes in open innovation and innovation strategy in the agricultural sector. Throughout her career, Jéssica has worked on innovation strategies in different sectors, including a multinational fertilizer company, OCP, and a cooperative financial institution, Sicredi.
Currently, Jéssica is the Innovation and Agribusiness Manager at Agrihub, the first agribusiness innovation hub in Latin America. In her role, she is responsible for strategic planning and leading the farmer vertical, identifying agribusiness challenges in the region and promoting knowledge transfer through innovation directly applied in the field. Her work has been essential in connecting field demands with innovative solutions, driving sustainable development and the competitiveness of Brazilian agribusiness.
Speech Title
will be updated Soon
Mohammad Zarif Sharifi
Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle UniversityUnited Kingdom
Mohammad Zarif Sharifi
Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle UniversityUnited KingdomBiography
Professor and Agricultural Scientist with over 30 years of experience in agronomy.
Expert in plant production systems, weed science, and soil fertility management.
Former Head of the Agronomy Department at Kabul University, providing academic and strategic leadership.
Designed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in crop science and sustainable agriculture.
Supervised numerous graduate students and research projects addressing local farming issues.
Author of 37+ publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals.
Research focuses on crop yield improvement, organic amendments, and integrated weed control.
Led curriculum development and education reform in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector.
Collaborated with ministries, NGOs, and global partners to strengthen agricultural education.
Active in national and international conferences on food security and sustainable farming.
Advocated for climate-resilient agriculture and farmer-cantered research solutions.
Skilled in academic administration, faculty development, and institutional partnerships.
Deep commitment to innovation and practical impact in agricultural research.
Promoter of soil health and integrated crop management for food system resilience.
Dedicated to advancing agricultural knowledge for sustainable development.
Speech Title
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Cover Crops in Weed Management
Ignacio Rojas Eugui
Agronomist/Crop ManagementSpain
Ignacio Rojas Eugui
Agronomist/Crop ManagementSpainBiography
ES- Soy un ingeniero agrónomo apasionado por su profesión con ganas de aprender y enfrentarme a nuevos retos a diario. Tras varios años como gestor agronómico, actualmente estoy trabajando como Field specialist en la multinacional ASFERTGLOBAL. Esto supone un gran reto en mi carrera profesional y estoy aprendiendo a diario.
Desarrollando proyectos en Africa, Asia y Europa y en busqueda activa de nuevas sinergias.
Soy una persona trabajadora, optimista, eficiente y positiva con muchas inquietudes profesionales. Me gusta rodearme de grandes profesionales a los que pueda ayudar y que me ayuden a seguir creciendo. Si te parece interesante mi perfil, y crees que podemos buscar sinergias escríbeme! i.rojas@asfertglobal.com
EN-I am an agronomist passionate about my profession and eager to learn and face new challenges on a daily basis. After several years as a field technician, I am currently working in the multinational ASFERTGLOBAL. This is a great challenge in my professional career and I am learning every day.
Developing projects in Africa, Asia and Europe and actively looking for new synergies.
I am a hard-working, optimistic, efficient and positive person with many professional interests. I like to surround myself with great professionals that I can help and that help me to keep growing. If you find my profile interesting, and you think we can create synergies:
Speech Title
Claudia Ximena Jaramillo Gonzalez
Ph.D at Soil Science and Crop NutritionSpain
Claudia Ximena Jaramillo Gonzalez
Ph.D at Soil Science and Crop NutritionSpainBiography
Ph.D, MSc, Agronomy engineer. Expert in Agricultural Soil Science and crop nutrition. I am a Researcher in soils specialized in metagenomic, soil microorganisms, mineralization process, organic fertilizers and organic matter. My scientific activity has been focused on metagenomic studies, the mineralization of organic amendments, agronomic evaluation of organic fertilizers, characterization of compost quality, determination of nutritional requirement of nitrogen in crops and simulation models. In addition, I have 10 journal papers, 12 conference papers, participation in research projects and the co-direction of 7 projects final career. I have already finished my postdoctoral about valorization of an organic matter which was evaluated on physical, chemical and microbiological properties of soils. The latter was evaluated by metagenomic tool to identify soil bacterial and archaea from tropical crops. Ph.D. in Resources and Technologies focused on Soils at Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain in 2016. The thesis was focused on the mineralization process of amendments organic and how it can be used in the best way with a low environment impact. I obtained Cum Laude qualification with a score of 10 in academic skills and it will apply to extraordinary awards I have a Magister in Agricultural Sciences focused on Soils as well. Master’s thesis was focused on to evaluate the effect of the organic fertilizers application on properties of soils and crops. It obtained meritorious distinction. My degree was specialized in soils. My final degree project was focused on the effect to foliar application organic fertilizer on crops. It obtained meritorious distinction, as well. I have 12 years of work experience in: Chemical and fertility of agricultural soils, crop nutrition, production of compost, elaboration of agronomic, nutritional and irrigation schemes in tropical crops, handling machinery and tillage practices, between many others. I have obtained some scholarships during my degree and postgraduates studies which have allowed me to reach my goal. I really enjoy studying, academic life, teaching, get training of highly skilled scientists, as well as working in the field and to help farmers. My target is contribute to the knowledge of suitable management of organic fertilization, minimizing impact environment.
Speech Title
Dr.MUHAMMAD ANWAR
PhD at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityChina
Dr.MUHAMMAD ANWAR
PhD at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityChinaBiography
I got my B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture/Horticulture degree from Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi in 2006 and my M.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture/Horticulture from Bahuddin Zakaria University, Multan in 2008. I have completed my PhD degree in Agriculture (ornamental horticulture biotechnology and genetic breeding from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China, in 2018. I have been doing my post-doctorate since 2019 from Shenzhen University, Shenzhen. During my post-doctorate, my research area is genetic and metabolic engineering in the genome of microalgae for heterologous protein overexpression systems. I have won the NSFC funding (International Young Scientists Research Project) of about 0.4M and published good papers in well reputable international journals. My research interests reside in metabolic and genetic engineering, plant biotechnology and genetic breeding. During my PhD project, I researched “Identification, cloning and functional characterization of R2R3-MYB transcriptional in flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway in plants. I have good expertise in tissue culture. I have good knowledge and experience in basic bioinformatics, transcriptomics, biochemical analysis of secondary metabolites, metabolic engineering, and plant genetic transformation methods(Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, gene gun particle bombardment, floral dip and electroporation).
My recent significant performance evidence in the proposed research direction is the 35 international SCI published papers as the first corresponding and co-authors. Some manuscripts are in the publication process. Furthermore, my innovative contributions to the research have led to a significant change or advancement of knowledge in the field of this research direction, and these achievements enable me to become an experienced researcher and teacher.
I have worked as a researcher at the Pakistan Agriculture Research council in 2008. I have served as an agriculture officer in the agriculture department, The Bank of Punjab (2008-2012). I served as Producing Unit Manager in a well-reputed world organization (WWF) in 2014. My job duties were to enhance the production of agricultural crops, train the field officers and farmers, documentation, report, develop the collaborations with local and international related organizations and ensure the sustainability of biodiversity. I have good research and work experience related to the agriculture sector. So, I consider myself a suitable candidate for this position.
Speech Title
Will be updated Soon
Young Research Fellows
Dr. Mariana Carvalhal
Postdoctoral ResearcherTechnical University of BerlinGermany
Dr. Mariana Carvalhal
Postdoctoral ResearcherTechnical University of BerlinGermanyBiography
Food Scientist and PhD researcher in brewing with expertise in hop processing and proteomics.
Skilled in data analysis (R, Python) and Machine Learning for bioinformatics.
With a creative mindset and a strong collaborative approach, I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of brewing science. Whether it's optimizing hop-related processes or delving into the complexities of bioinformatics, I thrive on transforming data into meaningful insights.
Speech Title
Will be updated Soon
Okoronkwo David John
Department of Agricultural Extension, University of NigeriaNsukka
Okoronkwo David John
Department of Agricultural Extension, University of NigeriaNsukkaBiography
Will be update
Speech Title
Will be updated Soon
