On 12 October 2022, the MicrobiomeSupport consortium organized a side event of the FAO Science and Innovation Forum to present insights on microbiome innovations that can drive food system transformation. The event, titled “Microbiome research for a sustainable, healthy and safe food system”, took place in form of an online 2-hour workshop, that was attended by around 45 people.
MicrobiomeSupport has collaborated on various occasions with the FAO, who also takes an active role in the IBF Working Group on Food Systems Microbiomes. The FAO Science and Innovation Forum took place a few days later, from 17-21 October 2022, in the FAO Headquarters in Rome and focused on highlighting the centrality of science, technology and innovation for Agrifood systems transformation, encouraging a diversity of perspectives based on science.
During the workshop the project consortium presented analysed gaps and elaborated recommendations to ensure a successful transition of microbiome applications from research & development into implementation. These recommendations include, among others, employing a systemic approach in microbiome R&D, increasing microbiome literacy in the society and ensuring the involvement of different stakeholders. The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, which has been developed by the MicrobiomeSupport consortium, is a great foundation of this transition and was also presented during the event. It is based on five pillars: 1) frontier research; 2) capacity building; 3) harmonisation of methods and tools; 4) knowledge transfer, innovation & regulation and 5) public engagement & education. The consortium emphasized that in the next phase, it is essential to identify the means, key actors and support mechanisms to ensure the further development and implementation of the microbiome agenda.
Did you miss the event or would you like to re-listen to a particular talk? Then have a look at the recording below.
