More than a thousand researchers from countries around the globe are gathering for 30 hours on Feb. 25-26 at the Innovation Forum: Bridging Technologies and Market Needs to share ideas on how to sustain all aspects of health (humans, animals, plants and the environment) through rapid diagnostics.
This event will focus on topics like antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship, prevention of future pandemics, nano/micro/bulk plastic and the circular economy and food safety and security and other cross-cutting issues. The activities span over various time zones, with different continents holding technical sessions while allowing everyone to join at their convenience.
To prevent future pandemics, the researchers will take turns leading discussions that will encourage the exchange of ideas and collaboration. With more connected researchers, they can share their techniques and learn more about what is happening outside their local networks. By strengthening international communication, the monitoring of infectious diseases and food security can be enhanced at the grassroots level across borders.
“As we share more knowledge, resources and ideas, the scientific community becomes stronger. This can grow to include the public that this research affects, such as farmers who are worried about their livestock being infected. This is the beginning of an impactful global collaboration,” said Chelsie Boodoo, doctoral candidate in the department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
The scientists attending the Innovation Forum will have the opportunity to give presentations, submit posters, have pre-recorded videos, be a part of panels and network with other researchers. There is also an Innovation Challenge on Feb. 25, where participants will be assigned in groups. Each group is given a global problem to brainstorm and propose an innovative solution. Then they will present their solution in the form of a 3-minute elevator pitch.
The top teams will win prizes for their elevator pitches. Awards will also be given to the top 3-minute flash talk presentations for undergraduate and graduate students posters.
Additionally, participants may also enroll for free in the following short courses: Nanotechnology, Biosensors, R Programming and Entrepreneurship for Scientists.
Scientists interested in attending can register for free at bit.ly/gard2022. For questions and for those interested in sponsoring the event, email Chelsie Boodoo at boodooch@msu.edu.