On June 7, 2025, students, researchers, educators, and food safety advocates from across the globe gathered virtually to celebrate World Food Safety Day through a one-of-a-kind Coursework Student Symposium, independently organized by the Food Microbiology Academy. With the year’s theme, “Science in Action,” the event offered an engaging, insightful, and empowering platform that showcased the power of science in showcasing various innovative ideas about food safety.
This reflective piece looks back at the day’s vibrant program — from thought-provoking talks to dynamic student presentations, fun games, and a vibrant networking session that capped the event on a high note.
Opening the Virtual Stage
The symposium kicked off with the warm and energetic voice of our Master of Ceremonies, Krizsha Marie Mateo, who welcomed attendees to a day packed with scientific inquiry, student brilliance, and shared learning.
In his Opening Remarks, Dr. Philip Button, Academy Director and an advocate for microbiological excellence, set the tone by highlighting the relevance of food safety in a rapidly evolving world. His message reminded us that science, when put into action, can empower communities, prevent illness, and protect public health.
Getting into the Spirit with Interactive Games
Before the academic deep dives, attendees enjoyed a spirited round of Interactive Game 1, a fast-paced food safety quiz hosted on Blooket. The competition added energy and engagement, sparking the excitement for what was to come.
The Interactive Game 2, was held after the Mid-Session Break and hosted by Brenda Shen. It was done using a Mentimeter where we gathered multiple responses from the participants showing the words that relate to food safety.
Knowledge in Action: Keynote & Plenary Talks
The Keynote Talk was delivered by Lasanthi Jayanada, titled “Beyond the Plate: How Science Safeguards Every Bite.” Her compelling insights explored the invisible forces at work behind every meal and stressed the importance of continued vigilance and innovation in food safety.
Following this, Plenary Speaker Shyamalee Gunawickrama shared her expertise with “Dairy-Related Foodborne Illness and How Science Can Help Prevent Them,” which provide knowledge on one of the most overlooked aspects of foodborne disease prevention.
Both sessions featured vibrant Q&A segments, where attendees actively participated by posing questions via chat — a testament to the curiosity and scientific enthusiasm of the audience.
Student Presentations: Bright Minds in Action
The heart of the symposium lay in the student abstract presentations, divided into three powerful segments. Each student brought their own perspective, innovation, and passion for food safety to the spotlight.
Vinodi Paranagama (Monash University)
“Interactive Learning in Food Microbiology: Prototyping Games for Education”
Vinodi showcased her passion for engaging learners through gamification. She presented her project (co-leading with Elyse) prototype tools promise to transform food microbiology education and make it more interactive, accessible, and fun.
Krizsha Marie Mateo (University of the Philippines Mindanao)
“Understanding the Role of Peasant Science in Food Security and Safety”
Krizsha elevated the importance of indigenous knowledge and peasant science, shedding light on their critical yet often undervalued role in ensuring food safety and sovereignty in rural communities.
Micah Reine Bandril (Ateneo de Manila University)
“Ligtas Plato Caravan: A Mobile Food Safety Education Campaign in Talavera, Nueva Ecija”
Micah shared the success of a mobile advocacy initiative that brought food safety awareness to the grassroots level — a true example of science meeting community service.
Frannie Shane Pineda (University of Southern Mindanao)
“Food Safety Awareness and Practices among the Food Handlers and Consumers in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat”
Frannie delivered a research-based presentation highlighting critical food safety gaps in rural communities, urging stakeholders to bridge the knowledge and practice divide.
Niorie Kalmia Moniharapon (Monash University)
“Pre-Treatment of Loligo sp. for Sauce Production Using the Endemic Natural Preservative Parinarium glaberimum (Atung) and Bromelain: A Community-Based Food Safety Approach in Rural Eastern Indonesia”
Niorie blended innovation with tradition, exploring natural preservatives and local resources to enhance food safety and economic opportunity in underserved Indonesian communities.
Elyse Chia (Monash University)
“Play It Safe: Gamification in Food Safety Awareness”
Elyse demonstrated how gamified learning tools can revolutionize how young people engage with food safety principles — her work was both playful and powerful.
Dencelle Mercines (Adamson University)
“Safe Plate PH: An Advocacy for Strengthening Food Safety Awareness”
Dencelle delivered an advocacy-driven presentation that combined foo safety education and digital outreach. Her campaign, Safe Plate PH, is a grassroots call to make food safety a national priority.
These sessions were expertly assessed by Kristy Costello and other panelists, who praised the students’ ingenuity and scientific rigor.
Technical Talk: Simplifying the Complex
In between student sessions, Qiuyi Wang demystified data in her talk, “Statistics Demystified,” helping participants see statistics not as a challenge, but as a tool for clarity and communication in scientific research.
Spotlight on Global Challenges
Two Monash University graduates led us into a global perspective on food safety through their powerful research:
Brenda Shen
“Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome in the Arsenal Against Foodborne Pathogens”
Brenda offered a unique look into the human microbiome through a personal and scientific lens, linking gut health to broader food safety implications.
Aliana Arumwidati
“The Rising Threat of Antibiotic Resistance: A Global and Indonesian Perspective”
Aliana presented a sobering view of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on food systems, urging the scientific community to act with urgency and global collaboration.
Career Development & Mentorship
Dr. Philip Button returned for a highly practical and motivating session on “Personal Branding and Your Career Success.” Attendees gained valuable tips on how to position themselves in the scientific world — from LinkedIn strategies to telling their research story with confidence.
Building Bridges: The Networking Session
One of the most productive moments of the symposium came during the Networking Breakout Rooms, where participants were grouped into:
- Room 1: Students & Young Scientists Connect
- Room 2: Industry & Career Talks
Ideas were exchanged, connections made, and many came out with new perspectives and even collaboration opportunities — a real highlight of the day.
Celebrating Excellence
The event culminated in an Awarding Ceremony honoring the sponsors, speakers, and the standout contributions of the day:
Outstanding Scientific Contribution
🏅 Elyse Chia
🏅 Vinodi Paranagama
Award for Innovation
🏅 Niorie Kalmia Moniharapon
Excellence in Science Communication
🏅 Frannie Shane Pineda
These winners exemplified the event’s theme, “Science in Action,” with research and initiatives that not only addressed critical food safety challenges but also communicated them with creativity and impact.
A Note of Thanks
A heartfelt appreciation goes to Dencelle Mercines, whose dedication and leadership as the event organizer brought this symposium to life. Every detail — from speaker coordination to session flow — was meticulously planned and executed.
A big shoutout to our vibrant host, Krizsha Marie Mateo, who kept the energy alive and the transitions smooth from start to finish.
Our Sponsors: Making it Possible
We are grateful to our sponsors who made the symposium possible:
Gold Sponsor: Food Entrepreneurship Academy
We would like to give our biggest appreciation to our Gold Sponsor, Food Entreprenuirship Academy, a passionate food consultancy collective founded in 2020 that empowers food entrepreneurs from concept to launch. With a presence across the USA, India, and Australia, they provide end-to-end support—from product formulation to commercialization—fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Their mission is to simplify the food development process and help bring bold, game-changing food products to life. Thank you for supporting young innovators and helping them create impact, one recipe at a time!
Silver Sponsor: Monash Food Innovation (MFI)
We’re proud to spotlight our Silver Sponsor, Monash Food Innovation (MFI)—a trailblazer in connecting industry to innovation. Since 2016, MFI has worked with over 2,700 businesses to turn food concepts into commercial success, backed by cutting-edge research and real-world consumer insights. With access to advanced tools like virtual store simulations and eye-tracking, they turn great ideas into market-ready products. Thank you, MFI, for championing sustainable and science-driven food innovation!
Their support not only funded the event but empowered the next generation of food scientists and innovators.
A Picture-Perfect Ending
The event concluded with warm Closing Remarks and a virtual group photo, marking the end of a meaningful day of shared learning, inspiration, and community building.
Final Thoughts
The World Food Safety Day Symposium 2025 was more than just a virtual gathering — it was a celebration of young minds rising to global challenges, a demonstration of science in action, and a promise of a safer, more sustainable food future.
We can’t wait to see what the next cohort of researchers and change-makers will bring in 2026. Until then, let’s keep our plates — and our purpose — safe.
