Advancing Food Security and Safety, Nutrition and Health, Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Sustainability

This conference (June 7-12, 2015) establishes a new scientific forum for researchers of Nanotechnology for Agriculture and Food Systems to present and discuss cutting edge, unpublished research with other experts in the field. In appreciation of the multi-disciplinary nature of this growing field, the program includes a comprehensive vision of critical and emerging research areas. We envision that this conference will encompass nanotechnology research advances across the field of agricultural science, inclusive of food science, plants / soil, animal science, engineering, bioenergy, nano-biomaterials, health and wellness, societal implications and environmental sustainability. In the past decade, we have witnessed a rapid increase in scientific advances in the field of nanotechnology in agriculture and food science and engineering globally. With these advances has been an expansion in related publications in the peer-reviewed literature (from ~100 in 2002 to ~900 in 2012), and an increase in funding for related research. Despite these advances, there is no regularly established forum to present and discuss pioneering, unpublished research in the field of nanotechnology for agriculture, food and natural resources. Speakers and participants will represent the diversity of researchers actively engaged in the advancement of nanotechnology and will be similarly diverse in nationality, gender, and career (e.g. academics, industry, government, NGO’s and policy). The unique atmosphere of a GRC enables opportunities for formal and informal discussions of research advances, emerging technologies, technological / regulatory needs and social implications. Further, we expect the conference will foster discussion about needs and opportunities for increased research investment and collaboration in this area. Advancing work in the area of nanotechnology for agriculture and food systems will have significant impact in addressing global challenges of food security, nutrition and health, environmental sustainability, food safety, and agricultural productivity.