Analytics in Action: Tackling the Complexities of Next-Gen Protein Sources

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• Guest speaker
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  Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro Director @ Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein/Microbial Food Hub

  Dr Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro is a Reader in Synthetic Biology at Imperial College London, where he leads research into sustainable biotechnology using engineered microbes. He is also Director of both the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein and the Microbial Food Hub, focusing on advancing alternative proteins through synthetic biology, precision fermentation, and microbial engineering. With a background spanning academia in Spain, France, Sweden, and Japan, his work also explores biomanufacturing in space and advocates for agile regulatory frameworks to accelerate food innovation.

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  Lisa Zychowski Head of Formulations & Strategic Procurement @ Planted Foods

  Dr Lisa Zychowski is Head of Formulations & Strategic Procurement at Planted Foods, where she leads the development of clean-label, sustainable plant-based meat alternatives. With a PhD in Food Chemistry from University College Cork and a background in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she brings experience from major food companies including Nestlé and ConAgra. Dr Zychowski is also an active industry speaker, known for her work in ingredient innovation and sustainable processing.

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  Priera Panescu Lead Scientist — Plant-Based Specialist @ The Good Food Institute

  Dr Priera Panescu Scott is the Lead Scientist for Plant-Based Foods at The Good Food Institute (GFI), where she spearheads efforts to advance the plant-based meat industry. Her work involves analyzing the plant-based protein landscape, identifying emerging technological solutions and bottlenecks, and collaborating with scientists to propel alternative protein research forward. Dr Panescu Scott holds bachelor's degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and earned her master's and doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before joining GFI, she spent nearly a decade conducting research in polymer, formulation, and materials chemistry, focusing on developing novel sustainable agriculture materials and compounds for food security applications. ​Her expertise encompasses food and agriculture systems, materials science, polymer chemistry, and plant-based ingredients. ​

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  Dr Lukas Brieger International Customer and Application Support @ C. Gerhardt GmbH and Co. KG

  Dr Lukas Brieger is Product Manager at C. Gerhardt Analytical Systems, specializing in international customer and application support for wet chemical and instrumental analysis in food, feed, and various industrial sectors. With a PhD in Chemistry, he works closely with global distribution partners to develop and promote new markets. He maintains a strong connection with end users through tailored webinars, trainings, and product demonstrations, ensuring effective communication and support. Lukas’s expertise helps drive the development of innovative analytical solutions while fostering long-term customer relationships across a wide range of applications and industries.

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  B.J. Bench Managing Director FSQA & Laboratories @ Tyson Foods

  Dr B.J. Bench is the Managing Director of Food Safety, Quality Assurance (FSQA), and Laboratories at Tyson Foods, where he leads global initiatives to ensure product safety and quality. With a Ph.D. in Food Science from Texas A&M University, Dr Bench brings extensive expertise in microbiological testing, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations. He collaborates closely with industry partners and regulatory bodies to advance food safety standards. Dr Bench also serves on the board of the Arkansas Association for Food Protection, contributing to the development of best practices in food safety and quality assurance.

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  Michelle Kuzio Product Manager @ Xylem Laboratory Solutions

  Michelle Kuzio is the Product Manager for North America at Xylem Laboratory Solutions, where she leads the development and promotion of advanced analytical technologies tailored for the food and alternative protein sectors. With a robust background in chemistry and business development, Michelle has played a pivotal role in introducing innovative solutions like the N-Realyzer, enhancing precision in protein analysis and supporting sustainable practices in laboratory environments. Her collaborative efforts with partners such as C. Gerhardt GmbH have been instrumental in advancing automated lab equipment that prioritizes sustainability, safety, and quality. Michelle's expertise is further underscored by her contributions to comparative studies on nitrogen/protein analysis methods, where she emphasizes the importance of accurate and efficient analytical techniques in the industry.

• Team member
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  Nick Bradley Editorial Director @ Future-Proof Group Media

  Nick Bradley is the Co-founder and Editorial Director at Future-Proof Group Media and the Editor of Protein Production Technology International. Nick oversees editorial content that highlights advancements in the alternative protein and biotechnology sectors.