Roots of Resilience
A Decade of Empowering African Agri-Scientists for Impact on Food Security & Sustainability
About the Event
‘Roots of Resilience’ is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful testament to ten years of innovation, scientific capacity building, and transformational impact in African agriculture. Hosted by JR Biotek Foundation (a Gates Cambridge alumni-led non-profit), in collaboration with the University of Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences and the Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Food System Resilience, this high-impact gathering is a proud feature of Cambridge Festival 2025.
Over the past decade, JR Biotek Foundation has ignited change by empowering hundreds of African crop scientists through world-class training, mentorship, and research collaborations, fueling solutions that are making a tangible difference on the continent. As we mark this milestone, we embark on an even bolder journey – the launch of the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP).
Opening — A Decade of Growth, Innovation and Impact
Professor John P. Carr
Head of the Department of Plant Sciences
University of Cambridge
Dr Carol Ibe
Crop Scientist, Chief Visionary & Founder of JR Biotek Foundation
Professor John Carr
Head of the Plant Virology & Pathology Research Group, University of Cambridge
Dr Lyn Kouadio
Beacon Junior Researcher
This session sets the stage for a transformative dialogue on the future of agricultural innovation in Africa. Professor Julian Hibberd from the University of Cambridge will deliver a visionary welcome address, followed by Professor John Carr, who will underscore the critical link between plant health and sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security.
A key highlight is JR Biotek Foundation’s 10-Year Journey: A Vision for the Future, presented by Dr Carol Ibe. Over the past decade, the Foundation, in collaboration with Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences and global partners, has empowered over 260 African scientists through in-person training and reached thousands more virtually across 19+ countries. By fostering scientific breakthroughs, mentorship, and capacity building, JR Biotek Foundation has played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural research and innovation across Africa.
This session will celebrate a decade of impact, reflect on key milestones, and unveil AGRIIP, a bold new initiative poised to redefine agricultural sustainability and secure Africa’s food systems for the future. Chairing this session is Dr Lyn Kouadio, Beacon Junior Research Fellow in Postcolonial and Race Studies at University College Oxford.
Session 1
Keynote -Advancing Science and Technology for a Sustainable Agricultural Future
Professor Shailaja Fennell
Professor of Regional Transformation and Economic Security& Director of Research at Cambridge Central Asia Forum, University of Cambridge
Professor Mizeck Chagunda
Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger
Chair in Sustainable Development Law and Policy, University of Cambridge
Professor Mark Tester
Professor of plant science at KAUST, Director of the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security & co-Founder of RedSea LLC
Keynote 1: Pioneering Innovation — Science & Technology for the Future of Agriculture
Speaker: Professor Mark Tester – Professor of Plant Science, Director of the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security at KAUST, and Co-Founder of RedSea LLC
Chair: Professor Dr Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger – Chair in Sustainable Development Law and Policy, University of Cambridge; globally renowned scholar in sustainable development law and governance
Overview: This keynote will showcase groundbreaking research and emerging technologies revolutionising global food security. From saltwater-based agriculture to scalable climate-resilient solutions, Professor Tester will offer transformative insights into feeding the world sustainably by 2050.
Keynote 2: Harnessing Knowledge — Empowering Agriculture for Sustainability & Food Security
Speaker: Professor Mizeck Chagunda – Director, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics & Health, University of Edinburgh; expert in animal breeding and quantitative genetics
Chair: Professor Shailaja Fennell – Professor of Development Studies, University of Cambridge; expert in sustainable food systems, development policy, and rural community resilience
Overview: This session will highlight how knowledge-driven innovations in livestock and crop systems can reshape African agriculture. Professor Chagunda will explore the role of data, genetics, and strategic breeding in building climate resilience, increasing productivity, and securing long-term food sustainability.
Engaging Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A
This interactive panel will bring together keynote speakers Professor Mark Tester and Professor Mizeck Chagunda, alongside session chairs Professor Marie-Claire CordonierSegger and Professor Shailaja Fennell, to explore the intersection of scientific innovation, policy, and sustainable agriculture. Discussions will delve into:
- Cutting-edge technologies driving climate-smart agriculture, from saltwater-based farming to genetic advancements in livestock and crops.
- The role of policy and governance in fostering sustainable food systems and equitable agricultural development.
- Knowledge-driven solutions that empower farmers, scientists, and policymakers to enhance resilience, boost productivity, and secure food security for future generations.
Audience participation is encouraged!
Session 3
AGRIIP Unveiled - Art, Innovation & Action
A Vision for Impact: This session unveils the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), a transformative initiative driving food security, climate resilience, and scientific innovation. AGRIIP integrates collaborative research, cutting-edge technology, and farmer-led solutions to revolutionise agriculture in African communities.
Obi Nwaegbe
(Artist, Writer, Curator & Founder of Artstier, Nigeria)
Dr Kabir M. Umar
(Deputy-Director of Research & Publication, Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Nigeria)
Dr Ruth Prempeh
(Head of the Biotechnology & Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana)
Dr Carol Ibe
(Crop Scientist & Founder of JR Biotek Foundation)
Dr Rebekah Sacher
(Board of Director, JR Biotek Foundation)
Dr Albert Arhin
(Research Fellow, KNUST, Ghana)
This session brings together key African partners involved in AGRIIP’s implementation to share insights on scaling agricultural innovations and strengthening food systems across the continent. Attendees will also experience Art Meets Agriculture, a virtual exclusive exhibition by award-winning Nigerian artist Obioha Nwaegbe, showcasing the resilience of African farmers, the impacts of climate change, and the urgency of agricultural transformation. To close, Fueling the Future – A Call to Action will introduce a high-impact fundraising campaign, inviting global stakeholders, philanthropists, and investors to support African scientists, smallholder farmers, and sustainable agricultural solutions.
Session 4
Climate Action and Innovation for Global Food Security
Panel-Led Discussion: Empowering Farmers, Advancing Research & Funding Resilient Agriculture
Ruth Jepkemoi
(Co-founder, Kang4Nature, Kenya)
Professor Mario Caccamo
(Chief Executive Officer, National Institute of Agricultural Botany, NIAB, UK)
Dr Joanna Scales
(Knowledge Transfer Manager- UK and International AgriFood, Innovate UK)
Dr Gabriel Onagoruwa
(Co-founding partner and chair of the Finance and Project Development practice of Olaniwun Ajayi-UK, LLP)
Dr Bethan Manley
(Lead Computational Biologist, SPUN)
Dr Chloé Orland
(Ecology Advisor, Action Against Hunger)
This high-impact panel discussion brings together experts in environmental conservation, finance, crop science, underground ecosystems, and sustainable agriculture to explore climate-smart solutions, investment strategies, and scientific breakthroughs shaping the future of food security in Africa and beyond. Key topics include community-led climate action, integrating traditional knowledge into sustainable farming; agricultural financing, unlocking investment models for resilient agriculture; crop science and genomics, leveraging genetic research for improved productivity; soil health and underground ecosystems, revealing the role of microbial networks in sustainability; and scaling climate-smart agriculture, fostering global partnerships for transformative impact.
Session 3
AGRIIP Unveiled - Art, Innovation & Action
A Vision for Impact: This session unveils the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), a transformative initiative driving food security, climate resilience, and scientific innovation. AGRIIP integrates collaborative research, cutting-edge technology, and farmer-led solutions to revolutionise agriculture in African communities.
Dr Bolaji Thanni
(University of Manchester, UK)
Dr Jacob Ulzen
(University of Ghana)
Dr Ruth Prempeh
(Head of the Biotechnology & Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana)
Dr Anthony Mabele
(Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya)
Dr Velma Okaron
(Makerere University, Uganda)
Dr Kabir M. Umar
(Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria)
Dr OlaideOgunsanya
(Scientist, UK)
Dr Francis Wamonje
(Group Leader in Entomology, NIAB, UK)
Session 6
Closing Reflections & Award Ceremony
Honouring Excellence & Celebrating Change
This session will recognize and honour the alumni, partners, and key stakeholders who have played a vital role in agricultural innovation and capacity building. Expect heartfelt speeches, recognition of outstanding contributions, and a vision for the future.
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
HELP US MULTIPLY IMPACT
Whether you are a scientist, university, donor, policymaker, entrepreneur, or volunteer, your support can help create the next generation of African agricultural leaders.