Recording of the Science Slam 2025
We were very pleased about the great interest in the GFFA Science Slam and thank you for the applications from all over the world.
Winner of this year's Science Slam
Farmers in Northern Ghana face poor soil management and gender inequalities. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) offers a potential solution, but its impact remains uncertain. Stochastic modeling explored how ISFM benefits both women and men equitably.

Dorcas Sanginga Alame
Gallery
2025 Science Slam






Science Slam candidates 2025

Dorcas Sanginga Alame
A Tale of ‘Equity’ vs. ‘Equality’
Farmers in Northern Ghana are significantly affected by poor land management and low agricultural productivity. These challenges are exacerbated by gender norms, which negatively affect the socioeconomic welfare of some groups of farmers while benefiting others. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is a promising farming practice to address soil fertility challenges and improve crop yields for farmers in Northern Ghana. However, the impact of ISFM on communities and agroecology in Northern Ghana is still unclear. Hence, we used a stochastic modeling approach that simulates and forecasts the benefits of ISFM for women and men in Northern Ghana. This approach holistically captures the complexity of agricultural system while accounting for the costs, benefits and risks of ISFM.
Short CV:
- I am a researcher with a high interest and academic background in agronomy, responsible scaling, transdisciplinary research and holistic systems analysis.
- I am currently a PhD candidate in agricultural sciences at the University of Bonn.
- I hold a Master of Science in Plant physiology from the University of Eldoret and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
- I have worked with international organizations in multiple Sub-Saharan Africa countries.
- You can find more about me here: http://www.gartenbauwissenschaft.uni-bonn.de/author/dorcas-sanginga-alame/

Thomas Freimuth
Sustainable Feeding Systems for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
In the EU and Germany today, less food and feed protein is produced than is consumed. In order to close the “protein gap”, protein sources such as soybean meal and fishmeal are imported, most of which are used in animal feed. In order to make livestock nutrition more sustainable, imported protein sources should gradually be replaced by regional ones. Protein sources from farmed insects such as the larva of the black soldier fly could make a contribution to this – however, the unique abilities of farmed insects must be sensibly integrated into regionally adapted biomass use. In this way, regionally produced biomass from insects could make global contributions to the sustainability and efficiency of future value chains.
Short CV:
- Born 1993 in Munich
- 2014 – 2021 Study of Agricultural Systems Science [TUM, Freising, Germany]
- 2017 – 2019 Working student TUM Chair of Organic Farming
- 2018 – 2021 Internships, working student (BayWa AG, Trouw Nutrition B.V.)
- 2021 – 2022 Employee Organic Garden AG
- 2022 – today PhD student Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN)

Clark Halpern
MacBeth – How Alchemists and Witches explore Transformative Horizons
What do Shakespeare and sustainable food systems have in common? In my Science Slam, we will set the stage to explore how the stories we tell, and the metrics we use, shape the food systems of our future. My research into circular food systems dives into this very question by asking, “When does circularity make sense in food systems?”. We’ll explore some real-world examples and practice our iambic pentameter as I’ll show how our research helps governments and funders choose the best circular technologies to transform our food systems to a more sustainable state. Together, we’ll see how the stories we tell—and the seeds we nurture—shape the future of farming and our planet.
Short CV:
- PhD candidate at Wageningen University studying circular food system economics (2021-Present)
- Consultant at the World Bank, working on livestock policy and practice (2020-2022)
- Winner of the Unilever Prize for top UN SDG-related MSc thesis in the Netherlands (2021)
- Agricultural Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana (2017-2019)
- BSc (Environmental Science) and BA (Biological Science), The University of Chicago (2012-2016)

Ushasree Sunkari
The Rise of the Millets: A story of bread, health and sustainability
This research successfully developed gluten-free bread using finger millet, foxtail millet, kodo millet, and Palakkadan Matta rice flour. These millets are naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and require minimal water and inputs, Offering a sustainable alternative to rice, corn, and potato starch in gluten-free breads. Analyses showed millet-based breads have higher protein, fiber, and mineral content, addressing nutritional gaps. By promoting millets in gluten-free baking, this study supports global efforts for healthier, eco-friendly food systems and aligns with sustainable development goals like climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
Short CV:
- EDUCATION: B.sc Applied Nutrition, zoology and chemistry (St. Francis College for Women, India), Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (Osmania University, India), Certificate course, First junior level French (Vivekananda Institute of Languages, India), Master’s in Food Science (University of Surrey, UK), Currently pursuing MBA in Marketing (Andhra University, India).
- Research: Developed gluten-free bread using millets and Matta rice flour Assessment of nutritional status, nutritional awareness and vitamin A among boys and girls school going adolescents of Telangana social welfare residential educational institutions society, and Enhanced photocatalytic performance of vanadium doped ZnWO₄ under UV irradiation.
- Professional Experience: Lecturer in clinical nutrition and dietetics, Customer service assistant (part-time, NHS Royal Surrey County hospital, UK), Co-op (retail store associate)
- Leadership and Volunteering: Surrey Societies chair (University of Surrey, UK), Volunteer with Guildford Scouts and Literacy Pirates, Course representative (University of Surrey, UK)
- Skills and Achievements: Public speaking, Teamwork, Data analysis, Expertise in nutrition research, silver medalist in basketball, winner of essay and poster competitions.
Our Science Slam Moderator
Drew Portnoy worked as a foreign correspondent in Berlin for many years and has lived in the capital for more than 20 years.
As a comedian and facilitator, he draws on his deep knowledge of German culture and politics to have a dig at Berliners, his family and above all himself with a large slice of self-irony. He has enthusiastically hosted numerous Science Slams all over Germany and in the US.

Drew Portnoy
Science Slam Moderator
Photo © Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner