Registration is open for the 2016 Stewards of the Future “Microbiomes: Unseen Opportunities for Agriculture and Health,” a conference hosted by NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Microbiomes — the communities of micro-organisms that live in soils and on plants, animals and people — are the next big thing in agricultural and life science research. Participants will explore how research into microbiomes could have far-reaching effects — from being able to raise crops and food animals more efficiently and sustainably to eliminating some human diseases.

CALS’ Associate Dean for Research Dr. Steve Lommel said that researchers throughout the College are pursuing the potential benefits microbiomes represent for health and agriculture, striving to make North Carolina a global leader in the technology it produces.

The daylong conference will take place Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, N.C.

During the morning, Dr. Jack Gilbert, will deliver the keynote address, “Invisible Influence: Embracing the Benefits of Our Microbes.” He is director of the Microbiome Center, a collaborative effort of researchers across the University of Chicago, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory who are working to advance understanding of the identity and function of microbes.

Also, Dr. Gwyn Beattie of Iowa State University will discuss “The Phytobiome Initiative: Soils and Plants”; Dr. Matthew Koci of NC State’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science will address the power and possibilities of animal agriculture microbes, and Dr. Rob Dunn of NC State’s Department of Applied Ecology will discuss “Your Wild Life,” a program that explores the ecological frontiers that exist on our skin, in our homes and in other places where we spend our everyday lives.

In the afternoon, there will be an innovation fair, presentations from partners who are translating microbes into products, and more.

Stay tuned to the Stewards of the Future website for more details.

Join the conversation: #NCStateStewards

— Staff Report

This post was originally published in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News.