Symposia
IPFN Symposia
The word symposium has its origin in ancient greek, and it means "to drink together". Anciently a symposium was a event on which men gathered to drink, eat and discuss around a particular subject. Nowadays a symposium is far from this early definition and it is an academic event more than social. The symposium is generally focused in one broad subject or theme and it is open to discussion. According to several definitions, the symposium is composed by two esential parts: the experts that talk about the subject and the public that comes to listen to them. After each presentation, the public is encouraged to particpate by openly disscus the subjects treated and/or ask questions about it. In general, from an academic point of view, a symposium is an event composed of short presentations (between 15-20 minutes for each speaker) and an additional time for discussion.
The Irish Phytochemical Food Network (IPFN) Symposia are a series of annual symposia that have as main subject the phytochemicals from Irish grown fruits and vegetables in a Farm to Fork approach (agronomic factors, levels in selected vegetables, effects of processing and storage, understanding of consumer attitudes).
These meetings take place on the Spring (March-April) every year and are aimed to promote dialogue on phytochemicals and their impact in human health in Ireland. In addition, the Symposium aims to provide an update on current tends from an Irish perspective.
The symposium is hosted by the Irish Phytochemical Food Network, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food and generally comprises lectures and discussion forums.
A Summary of the event as well as copies of the presentations (in pdf) are downloadable (free access) from the IPFN website (www.ipfn.ie).
