The 1890 Universities Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD), one of six centers of excellence at 1890 universities identified in the 2018 Farm Bill, organized and led a special session at the 2026 Association of Research Directors (ARD) Research Symposium, held in New Orleans from March 28-31, 2026.
Convened biennially since 1976, the ARD Research Symposium is the flagship gathering of the Association of 1890 Research Directors, the federation of the 19 autonomous 1890 land-grant universities, bringing together scientists, faculty and students to present research and build partnerships across the food and agricultural sciences. Now in its 22nd edition, the symposium drew more than 1,500 participants.
Convened under the symposium theme “Innovations in Food, Health & Agriculture: Technological Advancements, Ecological Resilience, & Economic Sustainability,” the two-and-a-half-hour workshop titled, “Innovations and Technical Advancements for Improved Global Food and Nutritional Security,” explored how emerging technologies, ecological stewardship and inclusive economic strategies are reshaping food systems in the face of extreme weather volatility, resource scarcity and economic instability.
The session was organized and moderated by CEGFSD director, Dr. Moses T. Kairo, and associate director, Dr. Stephan L. Tubene, both of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
The first part of the session, “Global Food and Nutrition Security in 2026,” featured a keynote speaker and a panel discussion examining the current state of innovation in food, health and agriculture, as well as the significant role of collaborative partnerships.
Moderated by Kairo, the panel drew leaders from international, public and private-sector institutions, including Dr. Eugenia Saini, executive secretary of FONTAGRO; Dr. John M. Ulimwengu, senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI); Dr. Anuoluwapo Samuel Frank-Lawale, Livestock Genetics, Nutrition and Feed Resources Program leader at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi; and Dr. Bianca Datta, scientific partnerships manager at The Good Food Institute.
The second part, “CEGFSD in Action: Impacts, Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Opportunities,” showcased the Center’s work over the past five years through short presentations and a panel discussion centered on technological advancements, ecological strength and economics.
Moderated by Tubene, presenters included Dr. Ryszard Puchala of Langston University, Dr. Buddhi Raj Gyawali of Kentucky State University, Dr. Jessica Epple-Farmer of Lincoln University, Dr. Brou Kouakou of Fort Valley State University and Dr. Purushothaman Natarajan of UMES. Together, their presentations highlighted innovations in precision agriculture, regenerative practices and community-based food systems across the Center’s partner institutions.
The timely session attracted more than 80 participants. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and spotlighting transformative initiatives and partnerships, the session strengthened the role of 1890 universities in advancing global food endurance and supporting communities both in the Unites States and abroad.
The session also placed emphasis on student engagement, offering attendees a range of opportunities and academic advancement in global food and agriculture and reinforcing the Center’s commitment to building a workforce of the future.
