Training Course 2: Regulation, legislation and safety aspects of the application of biostimulants and biofertilisers (October 2021)

Course Description:

The second SIMBA training course will take place over three days from 30^th September – 2^nd October 2021. We are delighted to announce that this course will take place in-person, in Venice, Italy. Organised by the University of Parma–SITEIA.PARMA with collaboration from Wageningen University, LUKE, and ENEA, the course will explore the scientific, regulatory and safety aspects in the application of microbial technologies and nanotechnologies in agriculture, food processing and food production.

To enhance the learning experience and increase networking opportunities for participants, this course will take place in-person. The venue has been carefully selected to ensure social distancing measures can be observed and every precaution will be taken to protect the health of both students and lecturers. Please note that in-person participation will be subject to Italian regulation on SARS-Cov2.

Welcome – Introduction and Scientific background

Thursday, 30^th September, 10:30am – 1pm

• Welcome from course coordinators
• Introduction to SIMBA project (Anne Pihlanto, SIMBA project coordinator)
• Introduction to 2^nd SIMBA Training School
• Student introductions

Module 1: Microbial technologies: application from Farm to Fork (biofertilisers, biostimulants)

Thursday, 30^th September, 2:30pm – 6:30pm

• From lab to field – actual applications
• Are regulations barriers to application or essential for maintaining consumer confidence in agriculture?
• Economical trade-off between cost and gain in the application of these new technologies
• The importance of information and communication in maintaining consumer trust and public acceptance

Module 2: Nanotechnologies and nanoformulates: application to Farm to Fork

Friday, 1^st October, 8:30am – 1pm

• Nanotechnologies and nanoformulates in agriculture and food production
• A need for agro-food system or a need of the Industry. The links and the distance between cost, safety and advantages
• Regulatory aspects in application of nanotechnologies to agriculture and food production
• Risk assessment, safety aspects and public acceptance

Module 3: Risk assessment and safety aspects in the application of microbial and nano-technologies to agriculture and food production

Friday, 1^st October, 2:30pm – 6:30pm

• Risk assessment and safety aspects in the application of biostimulants, biofertilisers and nanoformulates to primary production
• Risk assessment and safety aspects in the application of microbial and nanoformulates to food processing and food production
• Actual tools for risk assessment and compliance with legislations (EU, US, China)
• Experiences and perspectives in the global markets

Module 4: New technologies for extreme environments: microbial and nano-technologies application in response to climate change

Saturday, 2^nd October, 8:30am – 1pm

• Agriculture in extreme environments. Can nanotechnologies help in colonization and production?
• Agroecological implications of new technologies and relevance for sustainability in food production
• Case-studies

Final Session – Discussions, wrap up, conclusions

Saturday, 2^nd October, 2:30pm – 4pm

• General discussion with lecturers and students
• Student Prizes and awards
• Conclusions from SIMBA chair and course organiser

Location: Venice, Italy . The course will take place in the hotel Centro Don Orione. Located in the historical centre of Venice, the hotel is accessible by boat from Venice International Airport and railway station. Further details on venue and accommodation options will be provided after applicants have been accepted onto the course.

Format: The 3-day residential training course is composed of four modules, which will involve lectures and active discussions.

Date and Time: The course will take place from Thursday, 30^th September – Saturday, 2^nd October 2021. See course programme for details regarding the times for each session. Please note all times are set in Central European Summer Time and may be subject to change.

Fees: Course registration and participation is free, thanks to the European Union Horizon 2020 funding. Participants will be expected to fund their own travel and accommodation. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, course organisers will provide lunch and refreshments in a take-away format. Other meals will be at the expense of course participants.

Who should attend: Scientists, PhD students, Post-docs, Researchers, Industry stakeholders, Regulators and Administrators with an interest in the food sector.

While the training course is open to applications from all interested stakeholders, it is recommended that applicants have competencies in some or all of the following areas: biology, microbiology, agriculture and food production, risk assessment, economics, regulation.

How to apply: For details on how to apply see registration section below.

The maximum number of participants on this course is limited to 30. Selection will be based on suitability for the course.

GDPR: The SIMBA project partners are subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into force on 25th May 2018. Data that is collected and processed for the purposes of facilitating and administering SIMBA training courses is therefore subject to GDPR. Please review our Data Management Policy here.

It is a requirement of GDPR that all data subjects (i.e. training course applicants) give explicit consent to the storage and processing of their personal data. A separate GDPR Consent Form is therefore provided, and this must be completed by an individual applying for any SIMBA training course. This should be attached to the training course application.

To register your interest in the SIMBA Training Course on Regulation, legislation & safety of biostimulants and biofertilisers including nanoformulates, please complete in full:

• the registration form (HERE)
• the GDPR consent form (HERE)

Email both forms to the Scientific Coordinator of training course Prof Nelson Marmiroli (nelson.marmiroli@unipr.it) and Board of Staff:  Marina Caldara (marina.caldara@unipr.it); Sara Graziano (sara.graziano@unipr.it); Elena Maestri (elena.maestri@unipr.it); Marta Marmiroli (marta.marmiroli@unipr.it); Laura Paesano (laura.paesano@unipr.it). Please indicate SIMBA/Training Course 2 application in the email subject line.

Deadline for applications extended to Friday, 3rd September, 2021

For any questions and queries please contact Scientific Coordinator of the training course Prof Nelson Marmiroli (nelson.marmiroli@unipr.it) and School Secretary Prof Elena Maestri (elena.maestri@unipr.it)