Global symposium brings agricultural biotechnology community together at MSU

By Morgan Koetje | Aug 10, 2026 |

Michigan State University welcomed a global community of agrifood and biotechnology experts from August 2-5, 2026, for the "Agricultural Biotechnology for a Better World" Global Symposium, organized by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The symposium marked the 25th anniversary of the International Agricultural Biotechnology, Biosafety, and Technology Commercialization Short Course offered by MSU in collaboration with national and international partners. The event brought together diverse stakeholders from around the globe to share experiences in harnessing modern biotechnology to enhance food and nutritional security, environmental quality, and economic growth.

Three women sit at a table together, leaning in and smiling, with plates of food and glasses of water on the table in front of them. — PRI members Erin Cushing (left) and Sue Rhee (middle) pictured with symposium guest Renée Anderson (right), a cotton farmer from Australia.

Members of the MSU Plant Resilience Institute (PRI) were among those who attended the symposium, joining colleagues from across academia, government, industry, and regulatory agencies for conversations about the opportunities and considerations surrounding agricultural biotechnology.

Programming reflected the breadth of expertise needed to move biotechnology from scientific discovery to real-world impact. Symposium sessions addressed policy and regulation, research and innovation, technology transfer, product commercialization, public-private partnerships, international trade, education and capacity building, and communication and outreach.

A large group of people wearing lanyards stand together on a green lawn in front of a sidewalk. The image is taken from above, and various trees and greenery can be seen in the background. — Attendees of the "Agricultural Biotechnology for a Better World" Global Symposium, from August 2-5, 2026, in East Lansing, MI

Continuing the conversation with Leena Tripathi

Following the symposium, PRI welcomed symposium guest Dr. Leena Tripathi of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) for a special seminar with the MSU plant science community on August 6.

A large group of people sit in rows inside a classroom, and Leena Tripathi stands at a lecturn at the front of the room. Two screens display a slideshow with the following text: "Genome Editing Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture." — Dr. Leena Tripathi presents a special research seminar to the MSU plant science community.

Tripathi, director of IITA's Eastern Africa Hub and lead of its biotechnology program, presented "Genome Editing Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture." With more than 26 years of experience in plant biotechnology, Tripathi works to improve staple crops in African countries for resistance to diseases and pests. Her research emphasizes a "Science to Practice" approach aimed at translating scientific advances into practical solutions.

During the seminar, Tripathi highlighted the potential of genome-editing technologies to improve crop productivity and resilience, focusing on developing disease-resistant banana varieties. Her presentation was followed by a roundtable lunch discussion, providing another opportunity for members of the MSU plant science community to engage with Tripathi and continue the exchange of ideas.

35 people stand together at the front of a classroom. There is a projector screen and white boards behind them, and rows of desks in front. — Attendees of Tripathi's guest seminar to the MSU plant science community

Together, the global symposium and research seminar highlighted the value of uniting scientific innovation with thoughtful policy and international partnerships to strive towards a more sustainable future.

PRI is grateful to the symposium organizers, participants, and Tripathi for contributing to a week of learning, connection, and global collaboration at MSU.