TAU’s ADAMA Center Hosts First "Chemistry of Formulation" Conference

Tel Aviv University’s ADAMA Center for Novel Delivery Systems in Crop Protection hosted its first "Chemistry of Formulation" conference this week, aiming to introduce student scientists to the rapidly evolving field.  

During the conference, leading experts from ADAMA, HP Indigo, Kornit Digital, and other global corporations spoke about the key role of formulations in industries ranging from crop protection and high-tech, to cosmetics, nutrition and others. More than 200 graduate students from TAU and other academic institutions, as well as representatives from different companies, attended the conference. Sessions explored the importance of formulation science and the options that exist for careers in this growing field across different industries. The event took place at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv. 

Key Role 

"Formulation science is a foundational pillar for R&D in nearly all fields of applied sciences and industries, ranging from crop protection to the development of novel vaccines or novel smart materials. Despite the key role that formulation science holds, many students are not aware of its significance, or the skills and processes involved,” said Prof. Roey Amir, Head of the ADAMA Center at TAU.  

“The Center’s goal is to raise awareness among students in chemistry, materials science, biotechnology and other related fields about this vital field, and to provide them with theoretical and practical knowledge, so we can help them to become the leading formulation experts of tomorrow.”  

Bridging Academia-Industry Gaps 

"For ADAMA, innovative formulations in crop protection means products that deliver greater value to farmers while improving sustainability in agriculture to guarantee food supply. We established the ADAMA center with TAU in order to create specialization in delivery and formulation technologies which are applicable to industry and cannot be studied as a profession in academic institutions anywhere in the world, leading to a growing shortage of experts in the field," said Yoav Avidor, ADAMA’s VP Innovation, Development, Research and Regulatory Affairs. "Today's conference is another step towards bridging the gap between industry and academia, and we are thrilled to share our experience with these highly motivated students and look forward to their future contributions to the field.” 

The multidisciplinary ADAMA Center was established at TAU in 2020 with ADAMA’s support, based on the belief that industrial technological applications require deep understanding in the field of formulation. The Center trains MSc and PhD students to become top researchers and leaders in formulation and delivery systems. Experts in ADAMA and Tel Aviv University collaborate to build a curriculum that includes theoretical and practical lab courses focused on hands-on preparation and characterization of chemical formulations.  

ADAMA is a global leader in crop protection, providing solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. Its global R&D Center is located in Neot Hovav, Israel, with others in Ashdod, India, China and Brazil.