We cordially invite you to the dissertation thesis defence of Jignesh Italiya with the title “SARS-CoV-2 in zoo-kept and wild-living animals” (Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Tropical Agrobiology and Bioresource Management). Thesis defence will take place on 20th September 2024, 10 AM, meeting room 313 FTZ.

The COVID-19 outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in January 2020. This study explores the complex dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and animals (zooanthroponosis) and highlights the challenges of wildlife disease detection. It encompasses three key studies: the first documented SARS-CoV-2 detection in a white rhinoceros in Senegal's Bandia Reserve, serological screening in various species at Wilhelma Zoo in Germany, and the development of a multi-species ELISA assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in zoo animals. These findings underscore the need for extensive wildlife surveillance to understand the virus's host range and mitigate future zoonotic risks.

The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences of the Czech University of Agriculture will host the prestigious international conference The Society for Ethnobotany (SEB) Annual Meeting in June 2025. This meeting, which each year attracts experts from around the world, provides a unique opportunity to share scientific knowledge and discuss key issues such as sustainable use of plants for food, medicine,... , plant biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change.

What is ethnobotany?

Ethnobotany is the study of the relationships between people and the plants they use for disease treatment, food self-sufficiency or as part of their cultural and religious practices. This multidisciplinary field encompasses botany, ecology, anthropology and history amongst others, and is fundamental to understanding how different cultures around the world use plants for their needs.

Ethnobotany plays a key role in sustainability because it allows us to understand traditional ways of managing natural resources, which often prove to be effective and environmentally friendly. Research in this field can provide crucial insights in and for addressing current global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and food security and livelihood improvement.

Society for Ethnobotany (SEB)

The Society for Ethnobotany is the leading international organisation dedicated to research and promotion of ethnobotany. The Society was founded in 1959 and has since become an important forum for scientists working on the relationships between plants, cultures and the environment. In June 2023, it changed its name from the original "Society for Economic Botany" to its current name to better reflect the scope of its work.

SEB conferences are held annually and serve as a platform for sharing the latest research and discussions on sustainable use of natural resources, conservation of ecosystems and adaptation to global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The 2025 meeting in Prague will attract experts from around the world and provide a platform for international collaboration in these key areas.

Prague as a centre for scientific dialogue on ethnobotany

"We are very proud to host such a prestigious conference that brings together scientific capacities and ethnobotany experts from all over the world," said Patrick Van Damme, Dean of the Faculty of Tropical Agriculture. "This event is not only an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration, but also a chance for our students and scientists to engage in current global research on sustainable development and natural resource conservation."

Prof. dr. ir. Patrick Van Damme, who has led the faculty since 2021, is one of the leading experts in tropical agriculture and ethnobotany. His scientific career began at Ghent University, where he began to work intensively on the sustainable use of plants in tropical and subtropical areas during his studies.

Among his most important projects is his work on the Great Green Wall initiative, which aims to create a forested barrier in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 to prevent the expansion of the Sahara desert. Van Damme has worked for many years in ethnobotanical research in countries such as Namibia, Senegal, Togo and Ecuador, just to name a few.

A rich supporting programme and cultural excursions

The conference will include excursions that will introduce participants not only to the beauty of Prague and its rich history, but also to Czech culture, products and traditions. The planned excursions will  aim at linking the scientific discussion with the cultural context of the Czech Republic, providing a comprehensive experience for the foreign participants.

The SEB conference is an important step in the development of international cooperation and scientific research at the Faculty of Tropical Agriculture. "Our faculty has a long tradition in sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and plant research in tropical areas. We are thrilled to play such an important role in hosting this important event," concludes Van Damme.

The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences invites you to participate in the upcoming 5th International Multidisciplinary Conference for Young Researchers (MCYR), taking place on 3–4 October 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic.

This year’s conference theme “Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges” is more relevant than ever, as it addresses the pressing issues that young researchers across the globe are striving to tackle.

The MCYR 2024 is a unique opportunity for early career researchers from various disciplines to come together, share their innovative work, and contribute to a collective understanding of how to navigate the complexities of our modern world.

Why Participate?

- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with fellow researchers from a variety of fields, fostering cross-disciplinary insights and collaborations.

- Professional Networking: Expand your professional network, meet peers and established experts, and discuss your research in a dynamic, supportive environment.

- Constructive Feedback: Receive in-depth feedback on your research, helping you refine your work and take it to the next level.

- Publication Opportunity: All accepted abstracts will be published in the MCYR Book of Abstracts, available online with an ISBN, giving your work visibility in the academic community.

Key Dates

- Conference Dates: 3 – 4 October 2024

- Submission Deadline: 1 September 2024

To learn more about the conference, including details on workshops and the abstract submission process, please visit the website: https://mcyr.ftz.czu.cz/en.