Visionary Speakers & Conference Orators
Dr. K. D. Prasanna Priyantha Gunathilake
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Dr. K. D. Prasanna Priyantha Gunathilake
Wayamba University of Sri LankaSri Lanka
Biography
Dr. K. D. Prasanna Priyantha Gunathilake is a Professor of Food Science & Technology at the Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries & Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. He has served as Head of the Department since February 2024.
Dr. Gunathilake earned his PhD from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, focusing on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of under-utilized green leafy vegetables in Sri Lanka. He also holds an MSc by Research from Dalhousie University, Canada, and an MSc from the University of Peradeniya.
With over two decades of academic and research experience, he has published extensively in high-impact journals and received numerous awards, including the Most Outstanding Senior Researcher at Wayamba University in multiple years. His research spans functional foods, antioxidant properties, and sustainable food innovations.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Gunathilake has held key administrative roles, including Chair of the Faculty Higher Degree Committee and Academic Coordinator for the B.Sc. Food Quality Management (External) program. He is also a member of the Sectorial Committee of Food Products at the Sri Lanka Institute of Standards.
Speech Title
Prof. Valery P Kalinitchenko
All-Russian Phytopathology Research Institute
Russia
Prof. Valery P Kalinitchenko
All-Russian Phytopathology Research InstituteRussia
Biography
Professor Dr Sc (Biol) Valery P. Kalinitchenko. Institute of Fertility of Soils of South Russia, Director, Persianovka, Russia. All-Russian Phytopathology Research Institute, Leading Researcher, Big Vyazemy, Russia. Doctoral Degree in 1991 in Moscow State University, Soil Science Faculty. Don State Agrarian University, Persianovka, Russia, in 1976-2012, including Agriculture and Land Reclamation Department Chair, in 1992-2012. The area of interest: soil and water saving, waste recycling, environment sustainability, soil productivity and health, Biogeosystem Technique methodology. Editorial board member of eight scientific journals, 700 monographs, journal and conference papers and 50 patents. Member of the nine international scientific societies including ACS and EGU.
Speech Title
Biogeosystem Technique Methodology Contributing to Ecosphere Sustainability and High Quality Food Production
Prof. Arie Altman
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Israel
Prof. Arie Altman
The Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
Biography
Founder and President, Israeli Society of Plant Propagation. (1979-1981); Chairman, Teaching Board, The Faculty of Agriculture (1986-1989); Director, The Otto Warburg Center of Biotechnology in Agriculture (1992 1998); Member, Standing Committee and Academic Policy Committee, HU (1997-2000); Member, National Committee for Biotechnology and Chairman, National Sub-Committee for Plant Genomics (2000- ); Founding Chairperson, Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture (1999-2005). Chairman, Organizing Committee, International Symposium "Frontiers of Biotechnology in Agriculture (1991); Chairman, In Vitro Culture Working Group, International Society of Horticultural Science (1994-1997); Chairman, Organizing Committee, Second International Symposium on the Biology of Root Formation, Jerusalem (1996); President, International Association of Biotechnology (IAPB) (1994-1998); Executive Committee, IAPTC&B (1998-2002) and International Advisory Committees.
Speech Title
Mr. Steven Foster
Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at Wholesale Food Supply, LLC
Mr. Steven Foster
Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at Wholesale Food Supply, LLCBiography
Steven Foster is a visionary executive and sought-after keynote speaker, renowned
for his transformative leadership in food safety and quality assurance. With over two
decades of industry experience, Steven has become a driving force in shaping global
food safety standards. As Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at Wholesale Food Supply, LLC, Steven has revolutionized food safety protocols and quality assurance frameworks. His innovative approach, combining Six Sigma methodologies with innovative food technology, has dramatically improved operational efficiency and product quality. Under his leadership, the organization has seen a notable reduction in customer credits and significant improvement in sanitation processes through a seven-step lean sanitation program. Steven's influence extends beyond the corporate sphere. As a key member of the Minnesota Food Safety and Defense Task Force, he plays a crucial role in shaping state-wide food safety policies. He also serves as a research reviewer for Center for Produce Safety (CPS), a member of several working groups for The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), a member of the International Fresh Produce Association where he participates with the Organic Committee, additionally has been asked to Co-Chair and a frequent speaker at the Food Summit and several key food science events, inspiring and educating peers on industry-wide advancements.
Speech Title
Dr. Bettina Brinkmann
Co-founder of Food Visionaries
Switzerland
Dr. Bettina Brinkmann
Co-founder of Food VisionariesSwitzerland
Biography
Dr. Bettina Brinkmann is a consultant and co-founder of Food Visionaries and a pet food startup. She is also involved in the development of a global streaming platform with edutainment content. She has long held executive positions in the international media sector, serves on the advisory boards of various organizations, and has been active in the field of ethics and animal welfare for many years.
Speech Title
Bringing Food Tech to the plate
Prof. Mbawala Augustin
ENSAI, University of Ngaoundere
Cameroon
Prof. Mbawala Augustin
ENSAI, University of NgaoundereCameroon
Biography
Prof. MBAWALA Augustin studied and obtained his Bachelor degree in 1981 at the University of Yaounde (Cameroon) and received his PhD degree in 1990 at the University of Nancy 1 (France). Now, he is the Head of the Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Biotechnology of ENSAI at the University of Ngaoundere
(Cameroon). He has published at least 36 papers in Journals with DOI and high impact factor and a book on “Challenges of Indigenous Fermented Milks from Cameroon and Chad”. His research team is working actually on projects concerning the potential utilizations of Bioemulsifiers/Biosurfactants produced by indigenous lactobacilli isolated from a Cameroonian hard acidic fermented milk (Pendidam) in healthcare, agro-food industries, environment, cosmetic, agriculture, etc.
Speech Title
Potential properties of Bioemulsifiers/Biosurfactants produced by indigenous lactobacilli isolated from Pendidam and related challenges in the fight against AIDS, COVID-19, Influenza, Hepatitis B and C, Myocardial Infarction and Cerebro-Vascular
Accident
Summit Speakers
DSC. Nedyalka Naneva Valcheva
Vocational High School
Bulgaria
DSC. Nedyalka Naneva Valcheva
Vocational High SchoolBulgaria
Biography
Nedyalka Valcheva has an extensive background in food technologies and microbiology, with a career spanning several decades. She began her academic journey in 1990, completing a Master's degree program in Technology of Vegetable, Food, and Flavor Products at the University of Food Technologies in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. From 1990 to 2016, she served as a teacher at the Vocational High School of Chemical and Food Technologies "Prof. Asen Zlatarov" in Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria.
In 2014, Valcheva earned a Ph.D. from the University of Food Technologies in Plovdiv, based on her dissertation titled "Microflora of Healing and Spring Waters in the Haskovo and Stara Zagora Regions." Subsequently, in 2016, she took on the role of a senior expert and organizer in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Physics at Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Her research pursuits continued, culminating in 2023 with a D.Sc. degree from the Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technologies, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria. Her dissertation focused on "Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Mineral, Mountain, and Spring Waters from Bulgaria, and the Biological Properties of Identified Microorganisms."
Speech Title
Characterization of isolated strains of microorganisms from mineral, mountain and spring waters from France, Italy, England, South Korea, Japan, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Singapore, Germany and Bulgaria
Tshegofatso Nhabe
University of Johannesburg
South Africa
Tshegofatso Nhabe
University of JohannesburgSouth Africa
Biography
Tshegofatso holds a Master of Health Sciences in Environmental Health and is currently awaiting the results of her PhD. She is a dedicated practitioner with a strong focus on public health, safety, and environmental preservation, and conducts most of her research on food hygiene and safety. With experience in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring, she actively investigates incidents such as pollution, occupational accidents, and foodborne outbreaks to promote sustainable practices and protect the environment
Speech Title
Testing the effectiveness of Artemisia afra Oil against gram-negative, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in milk
Prof. Zhongsheng Guo
Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University
China
Prof. Zhongsheng Guo
Northwest Agriculture and Forestry UniversityChina
Biography
Prof. Zhongsheng Guo, Ph.D., Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China.
He put forward the theory of resources use limit by plants, the theory of vegetation carrying capacity, the theory of critical period of regulation of plant resource relations and the new theory of soil and water conservation. This is the theoretical basis for high-quality development of forest, grass, agriculture and soil and water conservation. Now he is Head of "innovation China" Agricultural high-quality production and industry Service Group
Speech Title
Climate change and Agriculture high-quality development
Dr. Mumeen Yusuf
National Cereals Research Institute
Nigeria
Dr. Mumeen Yusuf
National Cereals Research InstituteNigeria
Biography
Mumeen, Yusuf( Male) is a Nigerian agricultural research scientist with over 15 years of experience in food science research focused on cereals foods and vegetable oil value addition. Holds a PhD in food science and has published several research articles in reputable peer review journals including Springer Nature. He has participated in several international research fellowship and conference including Japan International Cooperation Agency’s Rice Research Fellowship in Japan.
Speech Title
Enhancing Quality of Biscuits with Lecithin from Vegetable Sources
Dr. Adan Torres Lopez
Santiago de Cali University
Colombia
Dr. Adan Torres Lopez
Santiago de Cali UniversityColombia
Biography
Dietitian-nutritionist with an emphasis on clinical nutrition. He has 11 years of experience coordinating patient care institutions in both the public and private sectors. He also has experience managing quality management systems in hospitals. He is a national and international speaker, training final-semester nutrition and dietetics students on the use of new digital platforms for formulating nutritional products (Mipres). He is a national and international university professor in the areas of sports nutrition and clinical nutrition. He has teamwork skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and a commitment to achieving strategic objectives. He is also motivated to embrace changes based on innovation and research.
Speech Title
Innovations in sustainable food systems to improve clinical health and prevent cancer
Dr. Alessandro Barca
Pegaso Telematic University
Italy
Dr. Alessandro Barca
Pegaso Telematic UniversityItaly
Biography
RESEARCHER in Didactics and Special Education at the Telematic University Pegaso (Italy), where he teaches General Didactics. He obtained his PhD in ‘Design and Evaluation of Educational Processes’ at the University of Bari. He is the author of numerous national and international publications, has been a speaker at numerous national and international conferences and is a member of several national and international scientific committees. His research interests are varied and range from subject-specific teaching to new ways of learning to read and write through new technologies. He also deals with relevant topics such as: gaming and video games for learning; sustainability issues; multimodal narratives (cross-media and transnational) and their impact on learning; use of AI in schools.
Speech Title
Energy Drink between popularity and danger. An initial survey among adolescents in the province of Taranto
Prof. Craig Watters
Oklahoma State University
United States
Prof. Craig Watters
Oklahoma State UniversityUnited States
Biography
Craig Watters joins the School of Entrepreneurship as the Norman C. Stevenson Chair in School of Entrepreneurship in Entrepreneurship, beginning Fall 2011. Craig is an accomplished scholar, educator, entrepreneur, manager, and economic developer. He comes to OSU from the top-ranked entrepreneurship program at Syracuse University, where he has led of portfolio of educational and community engagement initiatives. He has worked with faculty across an array of disciplines on curriculum development and outreach programs related to creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Craig helped conceptualize and launch the highly successful South Side Entrepreneurial Connect Project, which has contributed to the transformation of an economically-challenged inner city community. He has served as assistant dean for advancement in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse, and director of its economic stimulus center, the I-Launch Pad. His research and community work led to his nomination for an economic development award from Senator Hillary Clinton in 2003 and travel to Ireland as part of Clinton's trade mission in 2002.
Speech Title
Will Update soon
Prof. Espinoza Silva Clara Raquel
National University of Central Peru
Peru
Prof. Espinoza Silva Clara Raquel
National University of Central PeruPeru
Biography
Professor and Researcher, Director of the Research Institute of the Faculty of Food Industry Engineering at the National University of Central Peru, PhD in Science with a specialty in Food Technology, PhD in Medicine, MSc. in Food Technology from UNALM, and a degree in Food Industry Engineering from UNAS. She has researched the Science and Technology of Native Foods, the extraction of biocomponents for industrial use, and the identification of functional properties of bioactive plant compounds. She holds diplomas in Quality Management and Product Innovation.
Speech Title
Will be updated soon
