This event will feature presentations by Antonio Biondi (University of Catania) and Dr Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology), covering:

• The spread of invasive insect pests
• The consequences of pest-induced crop failures, and community-based strategies
• Policy solutions to strengthen agricultural resilience

We’ll wrap up with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A, where you’ll have the chance to engage directly with these experts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute!

📅 Friday, October 17th, 2025
⏰ 15:00 PM CET | 14:00 PM BST | 09:00 AM EST

Register here: https://cassyni.com/events/PuudGVhPpqZDXxerN8D4jX?5mzq7r

Or register to the SDG1 seminar series: https://cassyni.com/s/pest-science

The event will also be recorded, so even if you are unable to attend live, you'll still be able to watch the recording which will be circulated to those who have signed up.  

Abstract: In this webinar, our speakers, will highlight the increasing impact of pest infestations driven by global environmental changes, with a focus on how these challenges threaten food security, disrupt migration patterns, and weaken economic resilience in rural communities. Key topics include the spread of invasive insect pests, the consequences of pest-induced crop failures, and community-based strategies and policy solutions to strengthen agricultural resilience. In honour of the UNs International Day for the Eradication of Poverty we aim to inspire others to join the research for more sustainable and resilient crop production. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session.

Speakers

Antonio Biondi is a full Professor in General and Applied Entomology and Coordinator of the  PhD Course in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science. At the University of Catania he teaches classes in Applied Entomology and Integrated Pest Management to undergraduate and master students. He has given several invited talks at numerous national and international congresses, and he took part to several national and international research projects on various topics related to the sustainable control of insect pests in agro-ecosystems. Most of the scientific results have been published in peer-reviewed journals (h-index: 49) and he got awarded by the yearly title of Highly cited researcher since 2019. He serves as editor for various international journals, as well as peer reviewer of scientific manuscripts and research project proposals. He currently serves ad Editor in Chief for Journal of Pest Science. From 2018 to 2022, he served as a member of the panel of experts of the French ANSES for biological risks for plant health. Member of the the Italian Society of Entomology.

Dr Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim is an agricultural entomologist and biological control specialist within the Plant Health Theme. Her research areas include integrated pest management for insects of horticultural crops with particular interest in classical biological control. As a senior scientist, Dr Mohamed coordinates the BMZ funded project on Tuta absoluta IPM and Fruit flies IPM Technologies Dissemination and Promotion, Funded by Biovision Foundation Switzerland. She is also involves in the Finnish funded project on Adaptation for Food Security and Ecosystem Resilience in Africa (AFERIA). She authored and co-authored over 30 peer reviewed publications. She joined icipe as postdoctoral fellow in 2007 to on work on classical biological control of the invasive fruit flies Bactrocera dorsalis where she has been quite influential in importation of efficient parasitoid species (Fopius arisanus and Diachasmimorpha lomgicudata) from Hawaii and their release in different African countries for suppression of this pest. Back in her home country and before joining icipe Dr Mohamed had worked at the Agricultural Research Cooperation (ARC), Sudan, on insect pests on cool season food legumes (faba bean, chickpea, and lentil) and wheat, within the framework of ICARDA Nile Valley and later Nile Valley and Red Sea Regional Programs.

We look forward to seeing you on the 17th of October.