Keynote Speakers

Alexandros Koutsouris

Head of the Lab of Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Systems & Rural Sociology, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece

Dr. Alexandros Koutsouris is Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens and Head of the Lab of Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Systems & Rural Sociology. He holds an M(Agr)Sc in Agricultural Extension from University College Dublin and a PhD in Extension Education from AUA. His teaching spans agricultural extension, education, agrotourism, and global farming systems. He also coordinates postgraduate modules on innovation communication and skills development.
With a career dedicated to participatory approaches and rural innovation, Dr. Koutsouris’ research explores the social dimensions of agriculture, communication in innovation processes, and sustainable rural development. His leadership and academic work contribute significantly to knowledge co-creation and interdisciplinary strategies in extension and education in Greece and Europe

Artur Cristóvão

Retired Full Professor, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD); Senior Researcher at CETRAD – Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies, Portugal
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artur-cristóvão

Dr. Artur Cristóvão is a retired Full Professor at UTAD and a Senior Researcher at CETRAD. With a PhD in Educational Extension from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his academic career spans over four decades, focusing on agricultural extension, local development, and alternative food systems.
He has taught and collaborated with institutions in Europe, Africa, and the Americas and played a leading role in organizing international scientific events. Author of more than 100 publications, Dr. Cristóvão’s work bridges education, research, and practice to foster participatory and transdisciplinary approaches in rural development. His lifelong commitment to agricultural education and innovation continues to shape knowledge systems globally.

Ataharul Chowdhury

Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator, Capacity Development and Extension, University of Guelph, Canada and the President of the Executive Board of the AIAEE – Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education.
Contact: ataharul.chowdhury@uoguelph.ca
LinkedIn Profile – https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ataharul-chowdhury-7a474710

Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury is an Associate Professor at the University of Guelph, specializing in capacity development and agricultural extension. As President of the Executive Board of the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE), he is committed to advancing education and research in agricultural knowledge systems worldwide.
With over a decade of experience in academia, nonprofits, and international organizations, Dr. Chowdhury has worked extensively in Canada, the Caribbean, Austria, and South Asia. His research focuses on sustainable agriculture, rural development, and innovative communication strategies for agricultural extension.
He holds a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, and has received numerous awards, including the University Research Excellence Award from the University of Guelph and the Outstanding Leadership Award from AIAEE. His contributions to international agricultural education continue to shape policies and practices for a more resilient agricultural sector.

Elsa Vasseur

Associate Professor William Dawson Scholar
Innovation Chair in Animal Welfare and Artificial Intelligence (WELL-E)

Dr. Elsa Vasseur is an Associate Professor in Animal Science at McGill University, a William Dawson Scholar, and Co-Chairholder of the Research and Innovation Chair in Animal Welfare and Artificial Intelligence (WELL-E). Her interdisciplinary research integrates technology, animal welfare, and sustainability in livestock systems, with a focus on dairy production. With an international academic background and a PhD from Université Laval, she previously led the Industrial Research Chair in the Sustainable Life of Dairy Cattle (2016–2022) and actively contributes to academic and scientific committees across Canada. Vasseur works closely with farmers and institutional partners to develop practical, innovative solutions that enhance animal well-being, farm profitability, and environmental sustainability.

Gerald Schwarz

Senior Researcher, Thünen Institute of Farm Economics

Dr. Gerald Schwarz is a senior researcher at the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics in Germany. He is an agricultural economist and holds a MSc and PhD in agricultural economics from the Humboldt University, Germany. His current work focuses on transdisciplinary research into the transformation of farming and food systems in Europe and innovative market and policy instruments for public good provision from agriculture. He has led or contributed to a variety of national and international projects on agroecology, organic farming, sustainable farming systems and he is currently co-leading research on strengthening the capacity of living labs and research infrastructures in agroecology transitions in the Horizon Europe AGROECOLOGY Partnership.

Inge Van Oost

European Commission – DG Agriculture and Rural Development, AKIS coordination – Active Senior Expert
Contact: Inge.VAN-OOST@ext.ec.europa.eu
LinkedIn Profile: https://be.linkedin.com/in/inge-van-oost-3961405
X : @ingevanoost1

Inge Van Oost is Active Senior Policy expert at the European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI). She has played a pivotal role in the establishment and implementation of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI), bridging research policy and rural development initiatives.
As a member of the DG AGRI Taskforce on Research and Innovation, she significantly contributed since 2012 to shaping the Horizon Work Programmes (2014-2027) and
developing new interactive research project formats such as the multi-actor projects, thematic networks and advisory networks. Currently, her primary focus is on the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) strategies within the CAP policy, aiming at enhancing knowledge and innovation flows in Member States with a structured and interactive approach and including key enhancements to the EIP-AGRI and its Operational Group innovation projects.
Previously, Inge served DG AGRI as a Policy Officer responsible for cross-compliance, the Farm Advisory System, and Rural Development policy. Before joining the Commission, she coordinated agricultural demonstration projects for the Flemish Region and developed agri-environment measures and the farm advisory system. She has also worked as a farm advisor, and led an applied agricultural research advisory team which fostered innovation and implemented multi-actor projects.

John Leamy

ICT Research and Innovation Manager, Teagasc Head Office, Teagasc, Ireland. B.Sc. in Computing from SETU, MBS (First-Class Honours) from UCC, and Postgraduate Certificates in Strategy & Innovation and Data Business from UCC/IMI
Contact: john.leamy@teagasc.ie
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnleamy/

John Leamy is the ICT Innovation & Research Manager at Teagasc, Ireland’s leading authority on agri-food research, where he drives digital transformation and AI adoption. With over 30 years of experience in IT management and innovation, John focuses on harnessing the value of enterprise data through emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance agricultural practices and research.He holds a B.Sc. in Computing from SETU, a First-Class MBS from UCC, and Postgraduate Certificates in Strategy & Innovation and Data Business from UCC/IMI. His strong academic background complements his extensive practical experience, which includes leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives in various industries.At Teagasc, John plays a key role in leveraging AI and digital tools to improve agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. His expertise in data-driven strategies and service management helps unlock value across the agri-food sector, ensuring that Teagasc remains at the forefront of innovation. John’s work continues to shape the future of agri-food research, driving advancements that benefit both the agricultural industry and the wider economy.

Krista Mikkonen

Development Manager – Knowledge and Innovations, ProAgria, Finland
CEO & Organizational Consultant – Taite Organisation Consulting Ltd
Contact: krista.mikkonen@proagria.fi

With over a decade of experience leading development in learning, innovation, and human capacity, Krista has worked at the intersection of consulting, leadership, and agricultural education. At ProAgria, she plays a key role in international projects such as FIELDS (Erasmus+) and i2connect (Horizon 2020), shaping future competencies in farming communities.

Luís Marcos

CEO of ADVID – Association for the Development of Viticulture in the Douro Region; Coordinator of the Cluster da Vinha e do Vinho and CoLAB VINES&WINES, Portugal

Luís Marcos is the CEO of ADVID and Coordinator of the Portuguese Wine & Vine Cluster and CoLAB VINES&WINES. With a strategic role in fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and competitiveness in viticulture, he leads initiatives that bridge research and practice in the wine sector.
Under his leadership, ADVID supports applied research, experimentation, and demonstration projects aligned with sustainable viticulture and market competitiveness. Recognized by multiple government ministries, the cluster promotes public-private collaboration, technology adoption, and internationalization of the wine industry. Luís Marcos is a key figure in transforming the Portuguese wine value chain into a model of innovation, sustainability, and excellence.

Robert Strong

Professor, Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Contact: Robert.StrongJr@ag.tamu.edu

Dr. Robert Strong is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Industry 5.0 technologies in agricultural sciences, assessing stakeholder impacts through knowledge transfer and innovation adoption.
He is a member of AgML, the AgMIP transdisciplinary community of agricultural and machine learning modellers led by Wageningen University and Research, on the leadership team of the USDA’s AI in Agroecosystems: Big Data and Smart Technology-Driven Sustainable Production multistate research initiative, co-leader of two U.S. and industry supported AI in Agriculture and Natural Resources conferences, and a member of Texas A&M’s AI Research Working Group.
With extensive experience in research, teaching, and leadership, Dr. Strong has significantly contributed to translational research at Texas A&M. He has received the Outstanding Researcher and the Distinguished Extension Educator Awards from the American Association for Agricultural Education and has secured over $28 million in federal research funding, with $3,200,000 directly supporting his research program. His academic contributions include 79 peer-reviewed journal articles, two book chapters, and over 275 conference proceedings.
Dr. Strong teaches courses on technological change and social science research methods. He has supervised nine doctoral students, 28 master’s students, and three undergraduate researchers while also serving on 52 graduate committees. His international engagements include leading five study abroad programs in Belize, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as reviewing dissertations for the University of the West Indies and University College Dublin. 
He has served as President of the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) and has been a Senior Editor for Advancements in Agricultural Development and executive editor of the Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education. Dr. Strong is a Fellow of both the American Association for Agricultural Education and the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education. Through his expertise in AI adoption and technological innovation in agriculture, Dr. Strong continues to shape the future of agricultural education, research, and policy.

Simona Cristiano

Researcher; Expert on Agriculture and Rural development; AKIS – Agricultural knowledge and innovation systems; Evaluation manager; AAS – Agricultural Advisory Services; ISS – Innovation Support Services
LinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-cristiano

Simona Cristiano is a Senior Researcher at CREA, Italy’s leading body for agricultural research. Since 2006, she has worked extensively in EU rural development policy, focusing on Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), Farm Advisory Systems, and Innovation Support Services. She specializes in qualitative and participatory evaluation, including empowerment and developmental evaluation, stakeholder analysis, and organizational learning.
Her research contributes to more inclusive and evidence-based policy design and implementation under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Simona brings a systems thinking approach that connects rural innovation, advisory services, and evaluation science to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of agricultural interventions in Italy and Europe.

Teresa Pinto Correia

Full Professor (Department of Landscape, Environment and Planning)
Contact: mtpc@uevora.pt

Director of Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture – MED, Environment and Development and Coordinator of the Associate Laboratory CHANGE – Institute for Global Change and Sustainability
Chairholder – Soil Chair | Advisor – Scientific Council | Deputy Coordinator – Master in Landscape Ecology
Director of MED – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (www.med.uevora.pt)
Coordinator of the Associate Laboratory CHANGE – Institute for Global Change and Sustainability
Vice-President of the Mission Board Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, Horizon Europe
Member of the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (Portugal)
With over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and science-policy dialogue, Prof. Pinto Correia has led key projects across Europe on agroforestry systems, sustainable land use, and landscape planning. She is currently involved in impactful initiatives like PASTONATUR (INTERREG SUDOE), focused on sustainable extensive grazing, and CropCat (FCT), promoting minor crops through institutional catering.