Date: August 25th, 2025 | Time: 2:15 PM | Location: McGill Engine Centre | Hybrid Event
This talk explores innovation pathways that connect academic research with practical applications in the agri-environmental sector, with a focus on sustainable agriculture rooted in biodiversity. Drawing on experiences from Brazil, Dr. Renata de Lima and Dr. Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto will share how multidisciplinary approaches—integrating nanotechnology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences—have enabled the development of innovative, bio-based agricultural inputs. The presentation will showcase case studies, focusing on strategies for advancing technologies beyond the laboratory, while highlighting the critical role of university–industry collaboration and addressing key challenges and gaps in the innovation process. These examples demonstrate how university-driven science can lead to practical solutions that reduce environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and promote optimal agronomic practices.
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Dr. Renata de Lima is a professor at the University of Sorocaba (UNISO), where she serves as an associate professor-researcher in the Graduate Programs in Environmental Technological Processes and Pharmaceutical Sciences, as well as in the undergraduate courses of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineering. She holds a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), as well as a Master's in Genetics and Evolution from the same institution and a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Dr. de Lima is currently a CNPq Research Productivity Fellow Level PQ-B in Environmental Sciences and the Coordinator of the Laboratory for Bioactivity and Nanotoxicology Assessment of Nanomaterials (Labiton). Her research focuses on bridging nanotechnology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology innovation, with an emphasis on developing sustainable solutions through ecotoxicology, synthesis and evaluation of nanocompounds, and alternative in vitro testing methods. She actively collaborates with academic and industrial partners. She is the founder and CEO of two technology-based companies: PRÏOBIO NANOTECNOLOGIA and ANANKE, both of which focus on nanotechnology applications and research. |
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Dr. Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto is a professor at São Paulo State University (UNESP), where he serves as a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Engineering. He holds a B.Sc. and a teaching degree in Chemistry from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in Functional and Molecular Biology from the same institution. Dr. Fraceto is currently the Innovation Coordinator of the Research Center for Biodiversity and Climate Change (CEPID-CBioClima) and the Coordinator of the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture (INCT-NanoAgro). His research focuses on bridging nanotechnology, environmental sciences, and agricultural innovation, with an emphasis on developing sustainable solutions derived from biodiversity. He actively collaborates with academic and industrial partners both in Brazil and internationally. |