Dr Shashi Sharma is an internationally recognised thought leader in plant biosecurity, food security, bioprotection strategy, and planetary health. He is currently a member of the Biosecurity Council of Western Australia, advising on policies to safeguard agriculture and trade. With over 40 years of experience, Dr Sharma has contributed significantly to global food security through his leadership in biosecurity, plant health, and sustainable agriculture. He has held pivotal roles, including President of the World BioProtection Forum, Chairman of the World BioProtection Research Foundation, and Professor and Chair in Biosecurity and Food Security. He was the Founder and Co-Director of the Australia-China Centre for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Management and served as an Adjunct Professor at Murdoch University.
Dr Minshad Ansari is CEO of Bionema, a leading UK company developing new biocontrol products. He has over 25 years’ experience in bioprotection research, development and commercialisation, particularly in the area of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Dr Ansari is Founder and Chair of the World Bioprotection Forum (WBF). Dr Ansari is also an Honorary Research Fellow at Swansea University, UK.