Grace Tiwari, Invited Panelist at DialogueNEXT

Tiwari, who conducts research in Dr. Heather Grab's Applied Systems Ecology Lab, represented Penn State on the "Next Gen Minds, Next-Level Solutions" panel, where she discussed her work developing innovative decision support tools for agricultural pest management specifically corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda). The panel, moderated by World Food Prize Foundation CEO and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack, also featured emerging leaders Chidimma Ifeh (Montana State University, FFAR fellow), Emma Barrett (Yale University), and Dr. Zachary P. Stewart (International Fertilizer Development Center).

"Being invited to speak alongside such accomplished researchers was both humbling and energizing," Tiwari said. "The experience offered a unique opportunity to connect my research at Penn State with broader conversations about global food security."

During her presentation, Tiwari highlighted several key areas of her research and perspective:

• The critical role of integrating technology in agricultural research, particularly for pest management
• Comparative insights between smallholder farming systems in her native Nepal and agricultural practices in the United States
• The pressing need for sustained research funding to support early-career scientists
• The importance of engaging young people in agricultural innovation

The day-long conference brought together an extraordinary assembly of thought leaders, including Nobel Laureates Drs. Martin Chalfie and John C. Mather, World Food Prize Laureates Drs. Cary Fowler, Gebisa Ejeta, and Cynthia Rosenzweig, along with World Food Prize Foundation President Mashal Husain.

Discussions at the conference centered on several critical themes that intersect with Penn State's agricultural research priorities:

1. Food as a unifying force: Speakers emphasized that food transcends political and cultural boundaries, serving as a common denominator in human experience
2. Climate crisis urgency: With 2024 recorded as the hottest year in history, participants discussed how crop productivity is already declining and traditional "climate normals" no longer apply
3. Cross-sector collaboration: ZeaKal CEO Han Chen's observation that "farmers can't plant science" underscored the need for partnerships that bridge research and implementation
4. Return on agricultural investment: Analysis showed that every dollar invested in food and agricultural R&D can yield tenfold returns, though long-term commitment is essential
5. Science communication: Participants emphasized that effective storytelling is vital to translating research into meaningful change and policy

Tiwari was nominated for this opportunity by the Next Generation Agriculture Impact Network (NGIN), which identifies promising early-career researchers working on innovations in global food security.

"I'm deeply grateful to NGIN and World Food Prize Foundation for supporting my participation," Tiwari said. "This experience reinforced my conviction that our research at Penn State must ultimately lead to meaningful change for communities struggling with global food insecurity and poor nutrition."

Tiwari's participation in this event exemplifies Penn State's commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and international engagement.

For details about the World Food Prize Foundation's DialogueNEXT event, visit DialogueNEXT Washington, D.C.