Speakers
Plenary Session
What role do microbes play in meeting climate goals—and how do we turn that science into action? In this keynote, Dr Sinéad Leahy will unpack how microbial research is helping reshape agriculture’s climate impact, from methane reduction strategies to global policy frameworks. Drawing on her leadership across science and government, she’ll share insights into how countries like New Zealand are linking microbial innovation with practical emissions targets, and why microbiology has never been more relevant to the future of food and farming.
Dr Sinéad Leahy is the Principal Scientist at the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), where she manages research programmes aimed at reducing emissions from agriculture. With a PhD in microbiology and biochemistry, Sinéad has worked across science and policy to help translate research into real-world impact. She is the New Zealand Co-Chair of the Livestock Research Group for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, and serves on the Scientific Oversight Committee for the Global Methane Hub’s Enteric Fermentation R&D Accelerator. Her work is grounded in collaboration, bringing together farmers, industry, and government to shape innovative, science-based climate solutions for agriculture.