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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.

May 15, 2024

Saskatoon, SK

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Guest speaker:
Dr. Brigitte Weston
Director, Product Development
Gates Ag One

“Gates Ag One believes that all lives have equal value and was created to accelerate the most promising agricultural innovations being made available to those who need them most: smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.” 

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“As Director, Product Development for Gates Ag One, Brigitte leads our efforts in translating cutting-edge research into sustainable and innovative products that can be widely adopted by smallholder farmers to improve livelihoods, local economies, and the environment.”  ~ Brigitte Weston

Read Brigitte Weston’s Bio

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?

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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.

Jennifer joined Karen Churchill for an online fireside chat, livestreamed from Boffins at Innovation Place in Saskatoon.

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Read the review article

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

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

Read the review article

September 30, 2020
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 Series presentation, providing practical information that is largely unavailable to entrepreneurs in the early stage of their journey.

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