Roots of Resilience: 10 Years of Empowering African Agri-Scientists

JR Biotek & Cambridge Global Food Security IRC

Celebrating 10 years of innovation, research, and partnerships driving food security and resilience for Africa’s future. Join us!

Sainsbury Laboratory

Join us for <a href="https://www.jrbiotekfoundation.org/roots-of-resilience/" title="https://www.jrbiotekfoundation.org/roots-of-resilience/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Roots of Resilience: A Decade of Empowering African Agricultural Scientists for Impact on Food Security &amp; Sustainability</a>, a landmark event celebrating ten years of innovation, research, and collaboration in African agriculture powered by Gates Cambridge alumni-led non-profit organisation (JR Biotek Foundation). Hosted in partnership with the University of Cambridge's Department of Plant Sciences and the Global Food Security Interdisciplinary Research Centre (as part of the Cambridge Festival 2025), this event will showcase the remarkable progress made in training and empowering African crop scientists to drive research and innovation for food security and sustainability.Through insightful panel discussions, inspiring keynotes, and interactive exhibitions, we will explore key challenges and opportunities in food security, climate resilience, and innovation-driven agriculture. Highlights include:🎤 Keynote Talks &amp; Presentations – Hear from leading scientists and agricultural innovators shaping the future of global food security. 🌍 Panel Discussions – Explore climate action, policy, and investment in agricultural innovation with top experts. 🎨 Art Exhibition – Experience a visual journey through African crops, heritage, and climate impact, led by a renowned Nigerian artist. 🌱 AGRIIP Launch – Unveiling the Agri-Innovation &amp; Impact Project (AGRIIP), a game-changing initiative for climate-resilient farming in Africa. 🤝 Networking &amp; Collaboration – Connect with changemakers, researchers, and stakeholders driving a more sustainable food system.This event is a unique opportunity for researchers, policymakers, investors, and development practitioners to connect, exchange ideas, and contribute to a more resilient and food-secure future for Africa.Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement shaping the future of food security in Africa! Register now to secure your spot.

Agenda

Registration, Networking

Delivered by Professor Julian Hibberd (Head, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge) and Professor John Carr (Head, Virology & Plant Pathology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge)

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Dr Carol Ibe presents JR Biotek Foundation’s 10-year journey of empowering over 260 Africa-based plant scientists in person and thousands virtually across 19+ countries. In collaboration with several partners, these initiatives have driven scientific training, mentoring, and capacity building in African agriculture. This session will reflect on key achievements and introduce the vision and goals of the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), a transformative initiative for sustainable food security.









A Decade of Training, Mentoring & Empowering African Ag-Scientists

Professor Mark Tester, Professor of Plant Science and Associate Director of the Center for Desert Agriculture at KAUST and Co-Founder of Red Sea Farms, will deliver an inspiring keynote on "Sustainably Feeding the World by 2050: Innovations for Climate-Resilient Agriculture." A globally renowned plant scientist, Professor Tester will explore cutting-edge research and breakthrough technologies driving agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, offering insights into scalable solutions for global food security. This session will be chaired by Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, an expert in sustainable development law and policy, University of Cambridge. 

Keynote: Innovations for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Coffee Break & Networking

Delivered by Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. Professor Mizeck Chagunda will deliver a compelling keynote on the transformative role of knowledge in strengthening Africa’s agricultural resilience. With a focus on empowering scientists and fostering innovation, he will explore how cutting-edge research and capacity building can drive sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and build climate-resilient communities across the continent. This session will be chaired by Professor Shailaja Fennell (Professor of Regional Transformation and Economic Security, University of Cambridge).

Keynote: Transforming Agriculture Through Knowledge

This interactive session brings together keynote speakers Professor Mark Tester (KAUST) and Professor Mizeck Chagunda (University of Edinburgh), alongside session chairs Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Dennis Amata and Professor Shailaja Fennell (University of Cambridge), for an engaging panel discussion. The conversation will explore key themes from the keynote talks, including innovations in climate-resilient agriculture, knowledge-driven transformation, and strategies for empowering African scientists and farmers. Audience members will have the opportunity to participate, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion on building sustainable and impactful agricultural systems for the future.

Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A with Keynote Speakers

This session will unveil the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), a transformative initiative for climate-resilient agriculture and food security in Africa. Accompanied by an art exhibition led by an award-winning Nigerian artist, the showcase will highlight the vital role of African crops, the impact of climate change, and the urgent need for innovation to safeguard agriculture and livelihoods. The session will also introduce AGRIIP’s fundraising campaign, inviting support for sustainable agricultural solutions.

AGRIIP Unveiled: Art, Innovation & Action for Africa’s Agricultural Future

Lunch Break: Connect, Network & Explore the Art Showcase

This panel session will explore practical pathways to empower farmers and fund resilient agriculture in the face of climate change. Bringing together leading experts from academia, industry, and policy, the discussion will highlight innovative solutions, investment strategies, and policy frameworks needed to drive climate-smart agriculture and food security.

Climate Action and Innovation for Food Security

This session celebrates the transformative impact of JR Biotek Foundation’s training and capacity-building initiatives through the inspiring journeys of its alumni. Hear from distinguished fellows, alumni and collaborators of JR Biotek Foundation from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, and the UK, who are making significant contributions to agriculture, food security, and scientific research in Africa. 

Alumni Impact Stories – Empowering Africa’s Agricultural Future

As we conclude Roots of Resilience: A Decade of Growth & Impact on Food Security in Africa, this session will celebrate and honour the contributions of alumni, partners, and key stakeholders who have played a vital role in advancing agricultural innovation and capacity building in Africa.

Join us as we celebrate milestones, acknowledge key changemakers, and set the stage for the next decade of impact!

Closing Reflections & Award Ceremony

Join us for an informal networking. Connect with peers, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy a final look at the art exhibition celebrating African agriculture. A perfect way to end the event with great company and inspiration!


Networking 

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Roots of Resilience: 10 Years of Empowering African Agri-Scientists

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