Kevin Kimle holds the Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University, serving as Teaching Professor in the Department of Economics and Director of the Start Something Agriculture program. His research focuses on entrepreneurship curriculum development and agricultural innovation ecosystems. Research interests include venture capital formation in agriculture, entrepreneurial education models, and international agribusiness partnerships. His work has influenced programs in Europe, South America, China and Africa. Recent publications explore historical entrepreneurship case studies and risk capital deployment in agricultural technology ventures. His entrepreneurial ventures include founding Ag Startup Engine, Decision Commodities, and E-Markets.
Jun-Ho Huh is a Professor at Sungkyunkwan University's College of Information and Communication Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Engineering. His extensive research portfolio demonstrates leadership in cybersecurity, authentication systems, and AI applications across multiple domains including financial technology, maritime security, and agricultural technology. Dr. Huh's research interests span cybersecurity, authentication systems, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, edge computing, and IoT security. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in smart systems engineering. His research has significant implications for improving security in emerging technologies like DeFi, autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure. Analysis of Dr. Huh's recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of AI and security technologies. His work covers diverse areas including cybersecurity for maritime autonomous systems, authentication mechanisms, financial technology applications, and agricultural technology solutions. The publications demonstrate consistent productivity and relevance in addressing contemporary challenges in computer science and engineering. Dr. Huh has made significant contributions to authentication systems research, particularly in biometric and behavioral authentication methods. His work on keystroke dynamics, voice spoofing detection, and wearable device authentication has advanced the field of usable security. His research extends to practical applications in smart factories, agricultural technology (AgTech), and financial technology. The integration of blockchain with AI for various applications represents a significant thread throughout his recent work, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex technological challenges.
Dr. Anne COMBAUD is an Associate Professor in Geography at the School of Agronomy and Agro-Industry Engineering, specializing in rural territorial dynamics and agricultural innovation systems. She leads the 'Agronomy and Agro-industry engineering' training program and focuses on integrating advanced technologies like GIS into agricultural education and practice. Her research bridges geography and agronomy, addressing topics such as precision agriculture adoption, AgTech education strategies, and the spatial organization of agricultural innovation networks. Key projects include EU-funded initiatives like the Erasmus+ program on localized AgTech training and studies on agricultural FabLabs. Education: PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Burgundy (2008), CNRS affiliation Expertise: GIS applications, rural sustainability, pedagogy in agricultural education Publications highlight her work on stakeholder interactions in agritech clusters, robotic innovation by students, and vineyard erosion patterns. She is a member of the PICAR-T research unit and actively contributes to global agricultural education standards aligned with SDG4.
Dr Thomas Lines is a Grant-Funded Researcher (B) in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the University of Adelaide, affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His research focuses on agricultural sustainability, soil health, and cover cropping in vineyards and almond orchards. He holds qualifications in biotechnology, chemical engineering, and plant/algae physiology. Research Interests: Horticulture and viticulture practices Soil microbiology and ecology AgTech innovations for precision agriculture Carbon farming economics and policy Climate change impacts on agricultural systems Key Projects: Wine Australia-funded studies on under-vine cover crops Hort Innovation-funded almond orchard cover cropping (5-year project) Technical Expertise: Bioinformatics (Qiime2) Data analysis (R programming) Industry collaboration and stakeholder engagement Labs/Teams: Active member of the Soil Ecology Group at the University of Adelaide.
John Michael McQueenie is affiliated with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), particularly through the QUT Design Lab. His research focuses on intermediation practices bridging community, culture, and commerce, with applications in design, creative industries, and agricultural technology (Agtech). A central theme of his work involves leveraging digital technologies like blockchain to enhance stakeholder engagement, consumer trust, and cross-cultural trade, notably in food production and rural development. Education: Professional Doctorate thesis: Intermediation as practice: Joining the dots between community, culture and commerce (QUT, 2021). Research Interests: Intermediation strategies in creative industries and agriculture. Blockchain applications for supply chain transparency and rural innovation. Cross-cultural collaboration via digital platforms (e.g., Douyin短视频). Institutioning and commoning in design practices. Key Projects: BeefLegends (2021): A project exploring cultural and commercial connections through blockchain-verified beef products. Analysis of short-video storytelling’s role in bridging Australian and Chinese food markets (2024). Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the QUT Design Lab, collaborating with researchers like Marcus Foth and Warwick Powell.
Jean-Claude Dupont is a Researcher affiliated with the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) within the Costech research center, specifically the Cognitive Research and Enactive Design (CRED) and Complexité, Réseaux et Innovation (CRI) teams. His work focuses on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and agriculture, with particular emphasis on agrotechnical innovation, philosophical dimensions of technology, and socio-ecological transitions. He serves as a section editor for journals addressing topics like 'Philosophy of Techniques' and 'Societal Sustainability of Innovation.' His research explores themes such as agroecology, farmer-scientist collaboration, digital agriculture, and the ethical implications of technological transitions. He has co-authored studies on sustainable agricultural practices, soil care, and the role of cooperatives in enabling sustainable farming systems. His contributions also include analyses of technical culture evolution and the philosophical foundations of human-technology relationships. Dupont collaborates with institutions like UniLaSalle and contributes to interdisciplinary projects examining the societal impacts of agritech innovations. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks from philosophy, sociology, and engineering to address contemporary challenges in sustainable development and ecological thinking.
Professor Chengyuan (Stephen) Xu is a faculty member in the Faculty of Science and Technology at [University Name], affiliated with the Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods. His research focuses on enhancing tropical cropping systems' sustainability through crop physiology, carbon farming, precision agriculture, and circular economy approaches. He holds a PhD in Plant Ecophysiology from Columbia University (2006) and a Bachelor's from Fudan University (2001). Key research areas include crop responses to climate variability, biochar applications for soil health, and agri-tech integration. He collaborates with industries like dragon fruit, mushroom, and AgTech sectors, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions. Current projects address cotton resilience in Northern Territory, mushroom circular economy development, and bilateral Australia-China academic partnerships. Education: PhD in Plant Ecophysiology (Columbia University, 2006), Bachelor's (Fudan University, 2001) Industry Partnerships: Dragon fruit, camellia oil, AgTech sectors SDG Contributions: Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Responsible Consumption Recent research outputs include studies on dragon fruit volatile compounds, UAV-based weed management, and fertilizer consumption trends in Australia. Projects emphasize translating research into practical applications for rural economic diversification and climate resilience.
