International and interdisciplinary meeting on non-target effects of biocontrols

International and interdisciplinary meeting on non-target effects of biocontrolS

Non-target effects of alternatives to pesticides: an interdisciplinary meeting

Because synthetic pesticides are criticized for their harmful non-target effects, important efforts are put into developing alternatives, here referred-to as biocontrolS. But let’s learn from the unfortunate experiences of our predecessors and anticipate the risk of non-target effects of alternatives.

Our aim is to make it possible to use the same criteria to assess the effects generated by biocontrolS developed to protect crops and livestock, and to manage vector-borne diseases. Revealing and comparing non-target effects in all their diversity is necessary to guide the choice of solutions in a variety of contexts and territories. This will also enable us to identify sustainability criteria, essential for guiding changes in agricultural practices.

Why an "S" to biocontrolS? By biocontrolS, we mean all pest management solutions alternative to synthetic pesticides. As expected by the term "biocontrol", we particularly target techniques and practices based on living organisms (e.g. biological control and autocidal control) and their products (biopesticides, pheromones, etc). Any levers able to control pests, weeds or diseases compatible with agroecological management can be presented and debated.

An emerging interdisciplinary topic! Participants who do not work on non-target effects (yet!) are welcome to participate as long as they have a genuine interest and can contribute to the general reflection on this topic. Non-target effects can be observed at different levels and their deciphering requires the integration of a diversity of approaches: environmental sciences, management sciences, biology, linguistics, sociology, health, economics, geography, history, chemistry, psychology, ecotoxicology, information-communication, ecology...

The meeting is intended to enable the assembly of the first pieces of a puzzle that will be completed together in the future. We’ll share original results or perspectives with any connection to non-target effects of biocontrolS and, ideally, build the foundations of an international interdisciplinary network to co-construct research questions, contribute to collective synthesis reviews, or set up new collaborations.

As the number of participants is limited to 100, submissions will be selected by a scientific committee in order to best represent all disciplinary fields and the diversity of perspectives around these issues. Abstract can be submitted online (from March 1st to April 30^th 2025). Registration will open shortly after abstract selection.

Meeting fee: Participants are requested to contribute €100. This fee will cover lunch and coffee breaks. Participants who are unable to pay this amount may request a waiver.

The program is filling-up quickly, and we are very happy to share with you our first guest speakers. 

Submission