Cross-Sector Innovation in Microbiome-Based Protection
An online talk as part of the RSB Plant Health Series.

Details

When? Tuesday 3 February 2026, 14:00 to 15:00
Where? Online
CPD Approved This event is approved for CPD

An online talk as part of the RSB Plant Health Series


This event will take place from 14:00 -15:00 GMT (15:00-16:00 CET). 

We are pleased to be joined by keynote speakers Dr Lorena Rangel from the James Hutton Institute, and Dr Alicia Showering from BugBiome Ltd. The talks will be followed by an opportunity for an audience Q&A and discussion.

Speakers

Dr Alicia Showering has a PhD in molecular microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. During this time, Alicia discovered that certain microbes could naturally repel pests while remaining undetected, leading to more effective and sustainable pest protection. BugBiome allows us to identify microbial solutions that outsmart pests naturally, without harming beneficial insects or the environment. What started as a scientific discovery has grown into a mission to develop novel pest protection through the power of nature's own defence mechanisms.

Alicia's talk will outline her journey to founding BugBiome, highlighting key steps such as early internships and the shift from skin-microbiome and mosquito research to developing crop-protection solutions. She will also discuss the importance of culturing diverse microbes—how these are sourced, why diversity matters—and explain why conventional insecticides are becoming ineffective, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable, next-generation alternatives.

Dr Lorena Rangel is a plant pathologist in the epidemiology group within the Cell and Molecular Sciences department. Her research focuses on the foliar microbiome of agricultural crops or their wild progenitors and how phytopathogenesis impacts community structure. In particular, she is interested in investigating the potential to exploit the foliar and endophytic microbiome for tailored disease control of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Lorena's talk will cover her path into academia and her international research experience, followed by an overview of her work in bacterial ecology and plant microbiomes, including how these intersect with fungal plant diseases. She will also discuss her role within the Integrated Pest Management group at the James Hutton Institute and their efforts to identify sustainable alternatives to fungicides. Finally, she will present insights from the PHUGS RSB research project from summer 2024, share progress since the studentship, and outline ongoing and future directions of her work.

Who should attend?

This event is open to all, but will be particularly relevant to scientists including those working in areas related to plant health. 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

This event is approved by the Royal Society of Biology for purposes of CPD and can be counted as 3 CPD points. If you are a member of the Plant Health Professional Register, this CPD contributes to maintaining your registration. 

Special requirements

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs. 

Cost and booking 

This event is free to attend and advance registration is required. Bookings will close at 23:59 on Monday 2 February.

Contact

For booking, website or events queries, please contact Evie Drennan at events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3444. 

Code of Conduct

By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.

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