Keynote Speakers Sessions
Prof. Szilvia Kusza
Agricultural Genomics & BiotechCenter, University of Debrecen, Hungary
Session: Genetic Innovations for Climate Resilience
Prof. Szilvia Kusza is a leading expert in molecular genetics and population genomics within the Institute of Animal Science. Her research focuses on the genetic characterisation and conservation of indigenous livestock and wildlife species. She specialises in using biotechnological tools to enhance genetic diversity and resilience within sustainable agri-food systems. Through her international collaborations, she effectively bridges the gap between genomic science and the climate-resilient agricultural management central to this symposium.
Prof. Maeve Henchion
Rural Economy Research Centre, Teagasc, Ireland
Session: Circular Agriculture & Bioeconomy
Prof. Maeve Henchion is a Principal Research Officer at Teagasc and Adjunct Professor at UCD SAFS. Her research integrates social and behavioural sciences into multidisciplinary projects to identify new market and value-chain opportunities for the agri-food industry. She specialises in analysing the attitudes of consumers, citizens, and farmers to drive the adoption of sustainable technologies and innovations. Currently, her work focuses on the circular bioeconomy, sustainable food systems, and maintaining food quality & integrity.
Dr. Rodrigo Olave
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Northern Ireland, UK
Session: Agroforestry Systems for Ecosystem Services
Dr. Rodrigo Olave is a Senior Researcher with over 25 years of international experience in agroforestry systems, forest genetics, and ecosystem functioning. His research focuses on climate change mitigation strategies, specifically quantifying GHG dynamics and GWP within agricultural landscapes. He has held leading research roles at INFOR in Chile and the CSIR in South Africa, advancing the science of genetic diversity and conservation. Currently, he serves as a Trustee of the Forest Genetic Resources Trust and is an active member of the EURAF, driving sustainable tree improvement across the UK and Ireland.
Prof. Lynn Dicks
Agroecology Research Group, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Session: Integrated Pest & Disease Management
Dr. Lynn Dicks is Professor of Ecology at the University of Cambridge, where she leads the Agroecology Research Group focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural systems. Her research integrates agroecology, policy, and the food and farming industry to develop evidence-based solutions that support ecosystem services and resilient food production. She has played a leading role in international biodiversity assessments, including as a coordinating lead author for the IPBES pollinators report, and contributes to policy through roles such as board member of Natural England.
Prof. Adriano Sofo
Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Basilicata, Italy
Session: Land Health for Climate Resilience
Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Basilicata, Italy Session: Land Health for Climate Resilience Dr. Adriano Sofo is Associate Professor of Agricultural Chemistry and Plant Biology at the University of Basilicata, Italy, working within the Department of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on plant physiology, soil biochemistry, and sustainable soil management, particularly plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought and environmental pollutants. He has authored over 150 scientific publications and contributes actively to international research and editorial boards in plant science and sustainable agriculture.