Symposium

An exciting symposium with lots of interesting spokespeople!

Note: a valid covid QR code or WUR card is necesarry for this event 

Dear members,

On the second of November CODON will host its very own symposium on the campus! With a very relevant theme for the studying biotechnologist: CRISPR-Cas, engineering the world’s food supply. The walk-in starts at 19:00 and we will begin at 19:30. The symposium ends around 22:00, but feel free to stay for a drink and continue the discussion afterwards. Below you can find more information about the spokespeople present at the symposium.

 

It is mandatory to register for the symposium using this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/symposium-codon-tickets-182046013527

or scan this code : 

 

Along with the increasing world population, food demand is also rising. This increase in food demand should be met by the agricultural market. Genetic tools, such as CRISPR-Cas, can be a solution which help farmers by increasing crop nutrition, productivity, and growth rate. However, genetic tools often take on considerable controverse. Additionally, regulations of using such genetic tools differs between country borders. This rises the question whether the implementation of CRISPR-Cas in agriculture will cause not less, but more problems. Will CRISPR-Cas be the hero our food system needs?

 

Introduction will be done by John van der Oost, and the symposium will be moderated by Pierre Verbakel. The spokespeople who will be present at the symposium are:

 

Phil Macnaghten 

“Phil Macnaghten is Professor in the Knowledge, Technology and Innovation Group. He is an interdisciplinary social scientist working at the interface of science and technology studies, public engagement studies, governance of emerging technology, and responsible innovation” 

 

Joris Baecke - LTO 

“From 2014 onwards, Joris Baecke represents LTO Nederland on the workgroup Phytosanitary matters at Copa-Cogeca (The united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU). As of the 22nd of October, he is vice president of this workgroup” 

 

Justus Wesseler 

“Graduated in agricultural, environmental and natural resource economics in Göttingen. His research is on the field of bioeconomy economics and policies, value chains, and regulatory economics. His focus is on the contribution of value chains to sustainability, and the impact of new technologies.” 

 

Monique van Vegchel - Plantum 

“Policy officer at Plantum. Plantum commits for the exchange of genetic material within certain boundaries. No or limited access refrains innovation and threatens food security and biodiversity” 

 

Hinse Boonstra - Bayer 

"Hinse Boonstra is Policy Advocacy Manager for Bayer Crop Science. Bayer supplies farmers, from conventional to organic, with established and innovative seeds, crop protection products and digital services. Farmers can use these tools to create integrated crop management systems to fulfill the many social, environmental and economic sustainability needs of society.”