Prof. Lava Kumar’s presentation to UK Launch Conference

As preparations for the UK Launch Conference of CONNECTED continue, details of the first researcher presentation has been confirmed.

Prof. Lava Kumar

Prof. Lava Kumar, Head of the Germplasm Health, Virology and Molecular Diagnostics Units at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria – and Co-Chair of the CONNECTED Management Board – will address the conference on Tuesday 30 January.

His presentation will focus on his current research, with a particular focus on the diagnosis, surveillance and control of plant viruses.

He will also outline his vision for the CONNECTED community, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary working.

The draft conference programme provides a summary of the events and activities planned. You can download it from the ‘Events’ page using this link. (As this is a draft document some aspects may be subject to change. We are currently finalising the programme and the final version will be available shortly).

Prof. Lava Kumar is the Head of the Germplasm Health, Virology and Molecular Diagnostics Units at the IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. He joined IITA in 2007 and his research work is focused on characterization, diagnosis, surveillance and control of plant viruses affecting important food staple crops such as cassava, yam, maize, soybean, cowpea, banana, in sub-Saharan Africa.

He is also involved in the production of disease-free planting materials, seed health testing, surveillance of invasive transboundary pathogens, and development of diagnostic tools. Dissemination of knowledge and technology, and capacity development of national program partners through training courses and workshops in plant disease diagnostics and control, are among the key objectives of his program. His research also pioneering ICT-based tools for surveillance and seed quality assurance.

Read more about Prof. Lava Kumar here