Guest Speakers

Dr. Alana Seabrook

Business Development Manager
Winechek Pty Ltd

Dr Alana Seabrook has worked in the wine industry for the past 20 years in winemaking, wine research and application, wine microbiology, diagnostics and laboratory. After completing a winemaking degree through the university of Verona, Italy, she completed a PhD in wine microbiology at the University of Adelaide and went on to work in the industry as Microbiologist and then R&D manager at Yalumba. Alana has been working as the technical manager for Laffort Australia from 2017 to 2022 and has now taken on the role of BDM for Winechek. Alana is an active member of the Australian Society for Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) and a current South Australian ASVO and AWITC director.

Presentation Title: Applications of qPCR in the wine and beverage industry

Abstract:
The wine industry is facing numerous environmental challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation. These challenges have significant implications for grape production and winemaking practices. In addition, the wine industry faces the ongoing challenge of controlling spoilage microorganisms, which can lead to off-flavors and aromas in wine.
This presentation will focus on how Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), a molecular biology technique, has become increasingly important in ensuring the quality, safety, and authenticity of wine and other beverages.

Matthieu Dubernet

CEO, Groupe Laboratoires Dubernet

Matthieu Dubernet leads the first group of independent wine laboratories in Europe, Groupe Laboratoires Dubernet, based in France. He is a graduate from AgroParisTech as an agricultural engineer and holds the national diploma in œnology. He is also expert in the French delegation at OIV

Presentation title: Cyto-3D : wine microbiology enters a new dimension.

Abstract:
Cyto-3D, an exclusive cytometry method, is the result of a R&D program we have started in 2018. The method has been launched on the market in March 2020. Praised by our clients, it has allowed us to analyze thousands of samples. Cyto-3D enables a quick, direct and precise counting of the Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces, lactic bacteria, acetic bacteria populations, making the distinction between active, metabolically inactive and dead cells.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Speaker

Juliet Browing

Technical Applications Specialist
Water Technologies Group - Thermo Fisher Scientific

Juliet Browning is the technical application specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific where she is responsible for water technology portfolio within the ANZ market. Juliet’s experience in water industry comes from her 10+ years field work where she developed an appreciation for the challenges faced by researchers and industry leaders in this field. She has focused her recent efforts on helping customers in food industry to reduce waste in effluent discharge by monitoring key water parameters such as dissolve oxygen, chemical oxygen demand and turbidity. Her strong focus on “best practice” applications for her customers has led to her to be the well-respected adviser in the water industry.

Presentation Title: Water quality: if you don’t know what’s there, you don’t know how to treat it.

Abstract:
Water quality is a key component in Food, Dairy & Beverage (FDB) industries. From influent quality that can affect your product, to quality control in production, and final waste discharge, knowing what’s in the water is absolutely critical. Being able to effectively manage water at all stages in FDB processing will lead to an efficient and cost-effective operation and also has a positive impact to the environment.