Today, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) announced that Beni Kaufman is leaving the association “to follow other career options.” After serving as secretary general for three years, Kaufman’s last day will be Sept. 30.
Kaufman has more than 17 years of experience in developing and managing GMO and genetic purity testing laboratories in the private seed sector. He is also an experienced scientist in the area of molecular genetics analysis and related technologies. Kaufman is currently a member of the ISTA GMO Committee, and was a member of the GMO Task Force. He has also contributed to the ISTA Variety Committee, and participated in many ISTA Annual Meetings and workshops.
Kaufman has a doctorate in molecular genetics from the University of Illinois, and an Master of Science from Tel Aviv University. Prior to joining ISTA, Kaufman served as the manager of the Nucleic Acid Analysis Lab for DuPont Pioneer.
Kaufman’s responsibilities as secretary general included managing the ISTA Secretariat, which supports and coordinates ISTA activities that include membership, the Technical Committees, and scientific and international relations.