The ABIC Speaker Series features experts from around the world with a passion for solving global challenges using science and technology, to inspire and teach entrepreneurs and the public.

Topics are varied, from starting a science-based business to dealing with some of the controversial issues in science communications, to exploring futuristic concepts.

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The ABIC Speaker Series

Upcoming ABIC Speaker Series presentations:

TO BE ANNOUNCED

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Past ABIC Speaker Series presentations:

March 1, 2023
Dr. Kevin Folta, Professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida

The Biotech Explosion: Amazing Innovations in Agriculture and Medicine Scientists work with nature to create technologies that help society become more environmentally sustainable. How can we use communications tools & social media to ensure that we can actually use those technologies?

Read Biography

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May 25, 2022
David Melbourne, Chief Commercialization Officer, AquaBounty Technologies

David Melbourne joined Karen Churchill (president and CEO of Ag-West Bio) for a fireside chat to discuss the challenges and triumphs of leading an organization with a unique and innovative product. AquaBounty developed and commercialized AquAdvantage salmon, the world’s first bioengineered animal approved for food. The networking event menu included appetizers made from AquaBounty Salmon, Innate Potatoes, Arctic Apples and other bioengineered foods.

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September 21, 2021
Dr. Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate, Biochemist at UC Berkeley, Founder of the Innovative Genomics Institute, and co-inventor of CRISPR technology

CRISPR is a powerful technology that enables scientists to change DNA, the code of life, with a precision only dreamed of just a few years ago. In addition to her scientific achievements, Doudna is also a leader in public discussion of the ethical implications of genome editing for human biology and societies, and advocates for thoughtful approaches to the development of policies around the safe use of CRISPR technology.

Read Jennifer Doudna's biography
Read the review article

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April 21, 2021
Mr. Curtis Frank, President & Chief Operating Officer at Maple Leaf Foods

Curtis Frank leads the commercial activities of Maple Leaf Foods - one of Canada’s most successful agri-food companies. Mr. Frank shared his expertise and advice on key business issues in the agri-food sector at the Spring 2021 ABIC Speaker Series.

Read Curtis Frank's biography

Read the review article

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September 30, 2020
Business 101: Startup Bioscience Companies
Brent Zettl, president & CEO, ZYUS Life Sciences

With over 30 years of experience within the agriculture and bioscience industry, Brent Zettl has gained relevant business knowledge throughout his journey to corporate success. Brent shared his knowledge in the inaugural ABIC Speaker Seriespresentation, providing practical information that is largely unavailable to entrepreneurs in the early stage of their journey.

Read Brent Zettl's biography

The ABIC Speaker Series is managed by Ag-West Bio.