UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is set to host a groundbreaking symposium aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration to accelerate agricultural innovation. The event, titled “Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems Symposium,” will take place on June 12-13 at the University Park campus. This gathering will bring together leaders from academia, industry, government, and stakeholder networks to address the challenges and opportunities in agricultural technology development.
The symposium’s theme, “Closing the Innovation Gaps Between Discovery and Delivery,” underscores the need to bridge the gap between research discoveries and their real-world applications. The event will feature expert speakers and panelists who will share insights on identifying barriers to technology development and uncovering opportunities for collaboration. This initiative is particularly relevant as it seeks to enhance food productivity while conserving vital ecosystems, positioning Pennsylvania as a living laboratory for agricultural innovation.
One of the key highlights of the symposium will be the spotlight on the Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems Initiative (TALiS). TALiS provides a framework and roadmap for advancing innovations that can strengthen food systems, natural resources, and community resilience. By supporting the full pipeline from research to real-world application, TALiS aims to deliver scalable solutions that benefit both the agricultural sector and the broader community.
Blair Siegfried, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, emphasized the college’s commitment to bridging the gap between discovery and application. He noted the college’s history of bringing together diverse audiences to align expertise and resources in tackling complex issues, in line with the land-grant mission. This symposium is a testament to that commitment, as it seeks to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, producer and conservation networks, academia, and government.
The symposium’s agenda is designed to provide a comprehensive examination of the innovation pipeline. The first day will focus on broad, cross-sector perspectives, featuring sessions on the culture of technology adoption and human-technology interactions. Afternoon panels will be framed using Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s economic development pillars — robotics, manufacturing, energy, and life sciences — and their intersections with agriculture.
The second day will delve into a more detailed examination of the innovation pipeline, with sessions on early-stage research, research translation, and scaling. Breakout discussions will map contributions across key technology areas, including robotics, decision support, and biotechnology. Paul Heinemann, director of TALiS and professor of agricultural and biological engineering, highlighted the importance of engaging with partners to bring discoveries to commercialization, benefiting those who work and live in the agricultural and life sciences sectors.
The symposium is open to the public, with no charge for attendance, but registration is required by May 31. The event promises to be a significant step forward in accelerating agricultural innovation through cross-sector collaboration, ultimately benefiting the agricultural community and the broader public.