October 2024
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 15:00 - 15:45 CEST, we invite you to join our sixth webinar, part of the ISTA Centennial series.
Throughout 2024, this series brings together experienced ISTA Members and emerging voices in the field to foster knowledge sharing and strengthen connections across the global seed science community. This particular webinar will focus on the history and link between ISTA and GMO testing..
The session will be interactive, and questions from the audience will be gathered and discussed during the dedicated Q&A time slot. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate, so please hurry up and register to take part in the discussion.
Click here to register.
Meet our Panellists
Norbert Leist earned a doctorate in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from the University of Heidelberg in 1972. After researching tropical ecosystems in Colombia, he worked as a teacher and researcher before joining the Agricultural Testing and Research Institute Augustenberg in 1977, a leading seed testing center.
Recognised by various national and international organisations, Norbert became ISTA’s first honorory life member. He was member and leader of the committees on purity, variety, viability, tree and flower seeds, and helped establish ISTA's GMO Committee in 2001. As the first German president of ISTA (2000-2004), he redefined and strengthened its structure, introducing key reforms like the Referee Test System, Method Validation, and incorporating Seed Vigour into the Rules.
Norbert conducted 76 audits and organised 67 workshops worldwide to ensure uniform testing practices. He remains committed to fostering global cooperation and sharing knowledge through workshops and training.
Laura Bowden earned her PhD in seed conservation in 2007 and joined Scotland’s Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS) at Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) in 2010. In 2019, she became SASA’s GM Manager, where she ensures Scotland's laboratory remains equipped to test for GMOs and provides scientific expertise on GM matters to policy teams. Laura joined the ISTA GMO Technical Committee (TCOM) in 2023.
Enrico Noli is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Bologna, with extensive expertise in seed science, plant pathology, and molecular genetics. He holds a Master of Science in Plant Pathology from Colorado State University and earned his PhD in Seed Science and Technology from the University of Bologna.
Enrico began his career in plant breeding, where he focused on the use of molecular markers for trait mapping and germplasm characterisation. His professional trajectory then shifted towards seed testing, under the mentorship of Prof. Attilio Lovato. In this capacity, he served as Deputy Scientific Director and Quality Manager of LARAS, the ISTA Accredited seed testing laboratory at the University of Bologna.
Enrico has been deeply involved in GMO research and testing since its inception within the association. He currently serves as Chair of the ISTA GMO Committee, where he continues to guide global efforts in GMO detection and regulation.
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