Second Annual Symposium
The Global FEWture Alliance
Second Annual Symposium
April 23-24, 2025
University of Maryland | Adele H. Stamp Student Union
Funded by a University of Maryland Grand Challenges Institutional Grant
Our symposium will feature keynotes, 15-minute lightning sessions, and research posters on Food - Energy - Water solutions.
The Global FEWture Alliance advances systems-based interdisciplinary research-to-action, community-driven capacity building, and experiential education to effect positive change in underserved communities at the nexus of Food, Energy, Water, climate, and health.
Through our holistic systems-based approach, we alleviate FEW insecurity, protect environmental and global public health, and bolster community resilience in a changing climate.
The Symposium will highlight our Alliance’s accomplishments in Maryland, Israel, Tanzania, and Nepal.
Professionals in government, nonprofits, and academia will integrate key perspectives on renewable energy in food and water futures, and FEW systems modeling from local to global scales.
Free registration includes breakfast, lunch, coffee/tea breaks, and happy hour!
Register here!
Draft Agenda: Global FEWture Alliance Annual Symposium
April 23-24, 2025
Wednesday, April 23
8:00-8:30am Arrival and breakfast
8:30-8:40am Welcome and opening remarks: Dean Boris Lushniak (UMD School of Public Health); Dr. Amy Sapkota (Chair, GEOH; PI, Global FEWture Alliance)
8:40-9:40am Overview of the Global FEWture Alliance Accomplishments from Israel, Maryland, Nepal, Tanzania
9:45-12:00pm Session 1: Integrating Renewable Energy into Food and Water Futures
9:45-10:10am Keynote speaker: Dr. Stephanie Lansing, AGNR: Food Waste Diversion and Anaerobic Digestion as Pillars in a Resilient Bioeconomy; Moderator: Shree Krishna Dhital
10:10-10:25am Group photo and coffee break
10:30-11:30am 15-minute talks
11:30-11:50am Group discussion
12:00-1:00pm Lunch and Networking
1:00-2:50pm Session 2: FEW Systems Modeling from Local to Global Scales
1:00-1:25pm Keynote speaker: Dr. Yadu Pokhrel (MSU); Moderator: Dr. Catherine Nakalembe (UMD)
1:30-2:30pm 15-minute talks
2:30-2:50pm Group discussion
2:50-3:00pm Coffee break
3:00-4:15pm Trainee/early career scientist lighting rounds; Moderator: Dr. Leena Malayil (UMD)
4:15-5:30pm Poster Session and Happy Hour (voted award for student winners)
4:15pm Remarks: Dr. Greg Ball, Vice President of Research (UMD)
Thursday, April 24
8:00-8:30am Arrival and breakfast
8:30-8:45am Summary of Day 1
8:45-10:00am Concurrent Session 3a: FEW Nexus Research to Action and Capacity Building; Moderator: Dr. Clive Lipchin (Arava Institute)
8:45-10:00am Concurrent Session 3b: FEW Nexus Experiential Education; Moderator: Dr. Suhana Chattopadhyay (UMD)
10:00-10:15am Coffee Break
10:15-11:45am Plans for the Future (Breakout sessions)
New Collaborations (Geographies and ideas not currently represented in the Alliance)
11:45-12:45pm Lunch and Networking
12:45-1:00pm Adjourn