Harnessing the power of big data will aid us in finding food safety and defense issues which is a number one priority for all persons working in the food and agriculture sector. Early identification and warning of contamination minimizes human and animal suffering, reduces economic consequences, and provides trust in our food supply. Better yet are predictions of disruption that allow decision makers to adjust their behavior.
Based on the success of last year's session, “Big Data: Food Safety’s Holy Grail or Pandora’s Box?”, that introduced the topic, this symposium will build a cohort of professionals that can apply the principles of infodemiology through the collection and analysis of big data, to inform operations, decision-making, and public policy. The symposium will feature three segments: overview of big data and infodemiology, methodologies for using big data, and applications of infodemiology in practice with examples from the industry, academy and government. Attendees will leave with knowledge to find food system disruption, anticipate unknown problems, and rapidly identify emerging issues they have never seen before.