ExIST launches its first conference

The Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology has launched its first conference, bringing together leading figures from academia and business to discuss the impact of data, science and technology on food security. 

The event aims to raise awareness of, and to provide a general overview of, aspects of science and technology supporting agri-science and food security which might help secure the future of UK food requirements.

Speakers include Professor Michael Winter, Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter; Dr Tim Fox, Institution of Mechanical Engineers; Professor Dame Julia Slingo, Chief Scientist, The Met Office; Dr Mike Bushell, Principal Scientific Advisor, Syngenta; Ms Mary Quicke, Quicke Traditional Ltd; Professor Sarah Gurr, Chair in Food Security, University of Exeter; Professor John Bryant, Emeritus, University of Exeter and Professor Toby Mottram, Royal Agricultural University.

The event will be chaired by Mr John Lee, OBE, a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, Chairman of Mole Avon, Devon County Agricultural Society and a trustee of the Rural Youth Trust.  He served as the 2013 High Sheriff of Devon and as Chairman of the governors of Bicton College for more than 10 years.

Robert McIIwraith, chair of ExIST, said: “It has been an ambition of the ExIST steering group to raise awareness of Exeter and the South West’s growing strength in the science and technology sectors and the conference is very much part of this ambition.  Bringing together speakers and themes has been extremely interesting – with such a wealth of talent it has been difficult to contain the programme to one day!”

The event will take place on Thursday 4 September 2014 at the University of Exeter. 

For more information and to book your place visit www.existexeter.co.uk/conference