For 30 hours, hundreds of researchers from countries around the globe will gather at the Innovation Forum: Bridging Technologies and Market Needs to share ideas on how to sustain all aspects of health (humans, animals, plants, and the environment) through rapid diagnostics. Lead by the Global Alliance for Rapid Diagnostics (GARD), this unique event will focus on topics like the prevention of future pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship, nano/micro/bulk plastic and the circular economy, food safety and security, and other cross-cutting issues.
“[The] GARD symposium is unique in its design to bring together participants from different parts of the world with a shared vision to showcase innovations and technologies in the field of rapid diagnostics, surveillance and the interplay with related disciplines," said Benard Odhiambo Oloo, PhD, lecturer of food science and technology at Egerton University. "It offers a unique opportunity for collaborations through a virtual conference experience that goes beyond your regular zoom meeting."
The activities will span over various time zones, with different continents holding technical sessions while allowing everyone to join at their convenience.
“As we share more knowledge, resources, and ideas, the scientific community becomes stronger," said Chelsie Boodoo, PhD student in biosystems and agricultural engineering at Michigan State University. "This can grow to include the public that this research affects, such as farmers who are worried about their livestock being infected. This is the beginning of an impactful global collaboration.”
The scientists attending the Innovation Forum will have the opportunity to give presentations, submit posters, have pre-recorded videos, be a part of panels, and network with other researchers. There is also an Innovation Challenge on February 25, where participants will be assigned in groups. Each group is given a global problem to brainstorm and propose an innovative solution. Then they will present their solution in the form of a 3-minute elevator pitch. The top teams will win prizes for their elevator pitches. Awards will also be given to the top 3-minute flash talk presentations for undergraduate and graduate students posters.
Additionally, participants may also enroll for free in the following short courses: Nanotechnology, Biosensors, R Programming, and Entrepreneurship for Scientists.
Scientists interested in attending can register for free at bit.ly/gard2022.