Chair

ALICE LABORTE

Philippine Research Coordinator, and Senior Scientist II – Geospatial Science Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems Department

International Rice Research Institute

Alice Laborte is a Senior Scientist, leader of the Digital and Spatial Landscape Transformation Research Unit, and the Research Coordinator for the Philippines at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). She leads an interdisciplinary team with expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, crop modeling, digital agriculture, and precision farming. Her research focuses on the use of spatial information to generate evidence, actionable information, and insights to inform policy, research prioritization, and effective targeting and scaling of innovations. She holds a Ph.D. in Production Ecology and Resource Conservation from Wageningen University, The Netherlands, a Master of Geographical Information Systems from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos.

Co-chair

AJAY KOHLI

Deputy Director General – Research Delivery and Innovations

International Rice Research Institute

Dr. Kohli is the IRRI Deputy Director General for Research Delivery and Innovations, a position that involves overseeing the different research Departments and managing the quality and delivery of research activities at the institute. Dr. Kohli has over 32 years of experience and expertise in bridging upstream research to applied sciences, with a focus on developing technologies and innovations for agricultural impact, particularly in rice-based food systems. As Chair of the IRC Program Committee, Dr. Kohli leads the planning and development of the various events, programs, and activities across the 4-day conference. Much like his role at IRRI, he will also oversee the quality of the scientific content and presentations, ensuring that they align with the themes and objectives set by the congress.

Co-chair

JOHN DE LEON

Executive Director

Philippine Rice Research Institute

Dr. John C. de Leon is the Executive Director of PhilRice. He has more than 30 years of experience in plant breeding and commercial seed product development, in managing public and private sector R&D, as well as in working with cross functional talents in national, international, and multinational programs or organizations. As a member of the IRC2023 Advisory Committee, Dr. de Leon provides high-level promotional support and organizational management including addressing local concerns.