Experts will provide strategic guidance on research programs and initiatives, shaping research agendas to secure funding and ensure alignment with stakeholder needs.
The World BioProtection Research Foundation is proud to announce the selection of seven distinguished professionals from around the world to join its inaugural Program Advisory Council of Experts (PACE). The selection follows a rigorous international search, attracting exceptional talents in the fields of bioprotection, soil and marine microbiology, and related disciplines.
The newly appointed members of the PACE will play a pivotal role in driving the Foundation’s mission forward. They will provide strategic guidance on research programs and initiatives, shaping research agendas to secure funding and ensure alignment with stakeholder needs. These experts will offer valuable advice and guidance to research teams, as well as participate in research project preparation. Furthermore, they will review and assess research proposals and ongoing projects, providing constructive feedback to ensure the highest quality outcomes. The council members will actively identify collaboration opportunities with academic institutions and industry players, leveraging their networks and expertise to foster meaningful partnerships.
The PACE will consist of up to 12 members, each selected for their diverse expertise in bioprotection research, academia, industry, and project development. Seven world class experts have joined the PACE, with the goal of providing leadership in setting the research agenda, evaluating progress, and making informed decisions to advance the foundation’s objectives:
Dr Zhibing Zhang PhD, Professor and Co-Director of the China Institute, University of Birmingham School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Dr K Annapurna PhD, Former Head, Division of Microbiology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Dr Dean Metcalfe PhD, Managing Director and Plant Pathologist, Metcalf BioControl, Molesworth, Tasmania, Australia.
Dr Aram Mikaelyan PhD, Assistant Professor of Entomology, Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
Dr Kiran P. Raverkar PhD, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture &Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
Dr Rajan Sharma PhD, Principal Scientist and Cluster Leader – Crop Protection & Seed Health, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Dr D R W Kandula PhD, Research Fellow, Faculty of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
Professor Shashi Sharma, Founder Chairman of the World Bioprotection Research Foundation said, “Our vision is to harness the power of microbes and global research expertise to revolutionise pest and disease management, safeguard soil and plant health, and promote planetary well-being. The formation of the Program Advisory Council of Experts is a significant step towards realising this vision”.
