Laura Cortada.

Is a Senior Scientific Officer at VIB-IPBO and a VisitingProfessor at Ghent University for the International MSc in Nematology. She has extensive experience working in Africa, where she worked with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (2016-2020), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (2012-2016) and Koppert Biological Systems Ltd (2011-2012). Her current work involves conceptualising, developing, and implementing R4D activities, building effective partnerships and global networks to advance science and education in Africa and elsewhere. She is passionate about active learning and teamwork. As a woman researcher and professor, she is committed to building more gender-inclusive and diverse research and academic institutions for all of us now and future generations.