This year’s Innovation Series has explored how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of farming. For our final event of the year, we turn to one of the most pressing challenges facing agriculture: biosecurity.
From invasive pests and diseases to global supply chain risks, biosecurity is critical to maintaining the resilience of New Zealand’s farming systems. With changing trade dynamics, climate shifts, and increasing movement of people and goods, the risks are greater than ever—but so too are the opportunities for innovation.
How can New Zealand harness science, technology, and policy to strengthen our biosecurity system while supporting productivity and market access? Join us as leading experts share insights into the tools, research, and strategies that will protect our food, farms, and natural environment for generations to come.
This special Innovation Series event is brought to you in partnership with Lincoln University's Centre of Excellence in One Biosecurity Research, Analysis and Synthesis (COBRAS), which brings together researchers, industry, and government to design innovative, integrated biosecurity solutions for New Zealand.
Tuesday 21 October
9.00am – 1.30pm
Pātiki, Waimarie Building, Lincoln University
We hope you can join us!
Programme
9.00am: Welcome & IntroductionsIntroductions from Distinguished Professor Phillip Hulme, Lincoln UniversityOpening remarks to set the stage for a day exploring how innovation in biosecurity underpins the future of farming in New Zealand.
Session 1: Frontline Defences – Innovation at the Border
9.15am – 10.20amThis session explores how science and technology are reshaping border biosecurity, from early detection and diagnostics to predictive modelling and smarter surveillance.
- 9.15am Keynote Speaker 1 – TBC
- 9.40am Keynote Speaker 2 – TBC
- 10.05am Keynote Speaker 3 – TBC
- 10.20am: Session Summary & Q&A – Prof. Phillip Hulme
10.35am: Break
Session 2: Farm Gate Biosecurity – Building Resilience On-Farm
10.50am – 11.55amFarms are the second line of defence. This session examines tools and practices that protect livestock, crops, and soil health from emerging threats.
- 10.50am Keynote Speaker 1 – TBC
- 11.10am Keynote Speaker 2 – TBC
- 11.30am Keynote Speaker 3 – TBC
- 11.55am: Session Summary & Q&A – Prof. Phillip Hulme
12.10pm: Break
Session 3: Future Horizons – Policy, Partnerships and Innovation for a Secure Food System
12.20pm – 1.25pmThe final session looks at the big picture—how policy, collaboration, and innovation can deliver a robust, future-proof biosecurity system.
- 12.20pm Keynote Speaker 1 – TBC
- 12.40pm Keynote Speaker 2 – TBC
- 1.00pm Keynote Speaker 3 – TBC
- 1.25pm: Session Summary & Q&A – Prof. Phillip Hulme
Closing Remarks & Networking1.30pm: Event Concludes
