The UB Biocontrol Technologies Chair of Microorganisms for Agriculture organizes the first outreach day.
The Faculty of Biology at the University of Barcelona will host the 1st Conference of the UB Biocontrol Technologies Chair of Microorganisms for Agriculture , entitled “Microorganisms, a Viable Alternative for Plant Health.” The event is designed as an educational and outreach forum for professionals in the agricultural sector, researchers, technicians, consultants, and university students interested in agricultural innovation and integrated pest and disease management.
The conference has a dual purpose . On the one hand, it aims to offer an up-to-date, rigorous, and professional overview of the role microorganisms play in plant health, integrating scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and the perspective of the agricultural sector. On the other hand, it seeks to promote young talent , encourage applied research, and strengthen the link between the university and the agricultural sector, one of the Chair’s strategic priorities.
Organized by the UB Biocontrol Technologies Chair of Microorganisms for Agriculture , a joint initiative between the university and the biotechnology company Biocontrol Technologies , the event highlights the importance of university-business collaboration as a driver of knowledge transfer and development of innovative solutions in the field of biocontrol and sustainable agriculture.
The meeting will bring together researchers, technicians, plant health advisors, institutional representatives, farmers, and sector organizations , serving as a forum for analysis and debate on the challenges and opportunities of using microorganisms within sustainable agricultural systems. In a context marked by the need to reduce environmental impact and move towards more efficient production models, microorganisms are positioned as a key tool within 21st-century plant health strategies.
Program of the Day
The day’s program is structured into different blocks that combine technical content, exchange sessions, and strategic reflection. After registration and accreditation, the event will begin with an institutional presentation that will contextualize the day, introduce the Chair, and explain the objectives of the meeting. Following this, the first presentation will address the role of microorganisms in plant health, focusing on their function within biological control programs and integrated pest and disease management.
The day will also include a round table discussion dedicated to analyzing the main challenges for implementing microbiological solutions in the field, as well as networking opportunities designed to foster knowledge exchange among the various professional profiles in attendance. The program will conclude with a final conference focused on a comparative analysis of microbiological solutions and chemical products, reflecting on their role in the future of plant health and within the framework of sustainable agriculture.
The event will also include the awards ceremony for the best Final Degree Projects (TFG) of the 2024–2025 academic year, aimed at students from Catalan universities. The Chair offers three awards to recognize and promote research focused on sustainable agriculture , biological and integrated pest management, the use of microorganisms for pest and disease control, as well as biofertilization, biostimulation, and the development of sustainable technologies applied to the agricultural sector.
With the organization of this first conference, the UB Biocontrol Technologies Chair reaffirms its commitment to agricultural innovation , knowledge transfer, and the training of new generations of professionals and researchers. This commitment is geared towards actively contributing to the advancement of more efficient and sustainable plant health, aligned with the current challenges of the agricultural sector , and consolidating the role of microorganisms as a viable and strategic alternative in crop protection.
