Interview with Shirin Moradi, Plant specialist at Ljusgårda AB

Hello Shirin, thank you for this interview. Please tell our readers, some about you, what inspired you to specialize in plant research and AI?

Im a plant researcher at Ljusgårda company, my lifelong fascination with AI and plant research, combined with my PH.D. research at the University of Tehran, laid the foundation for my career path. The nurturing guidance and encouragement from my manager, Erik Lundgren, at Ljusgårda further sparked my interest in using AI for plant growth optimization. This support was crucial in strengthening my resolve to integrate AI into plant research, shaping my approach towards developing efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

How has your experience as a professor at the University of Tehran influenced your approach to plant research?

In my role as a professor at the University of Tehran, I found a humble yet profound connection between teaching and research. This experience not only refined my research skills but also deeply ingrained in me the value of sharing knowledge. Teaching allowed me to see the beauty in merging traditional plant research methods with AI technologies. It was a journey of constant learning, where each lecture was an opportunity to explore new ideas, and every student interaction a chance to view old concepts through fresh eyes. This humble approach to learning and teaching has been instrumental in shaping my innovative and integrative approach in plant science.

How have cultural differences between Iran and Sweden influenced your work and perspective?

The contrasting environmental and cultural settings of Iran and Sweden provided me with a broader perspective on agricultural challenges. I learned to adapt research methodologies to different climates and incorporate diverse cultural insights, enriching my approach to global agricultural issues. Sweden, I was embraced by a culture that supports creative thinking and long-term vision in projects. This Swedish ethos of nurturing innovative ideas and looking at the bigger picture has further enriched my approach, allowing me to blend these diverse cultural insights into a unique perspective that enhances my work in global agricultural issues.

Shirin Moradi, Plant Specialist

Which specific areas of plant research and AI fascinate you the most at Ljusgarda?

At Ljusgarda, I am particularly fascinated by using AI to optimize light spectra for plant growth and developing AI-driven aeroponics or hydroponics systems. But the most interesting thing is the study of electrophysiology of plant that showing me the plants feeling,

What are the most common challenges in applying AI in plant research, and how do you address them?

Integrating AI with traditional plant cultivation methods, ensuring data accuracy, and adapting AI to the dynamic nature of plant growth are key challenges. I address them through rigorous experimental design, continuous algorithm refinement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Tell me more about your research project. What are you working currently on? What impact can it have for vertical and indoor farming industry?

Currently, our main focus is on trying to provide the best system possible for a customer to have healthy leafy greens in their home. We are working on ways to increase the growth speed of the plants while maintaining the most intense flavour. We also have our eye on the possibilities which using a controlled environment gives us, namely using the environment to direct and change the growth of the plant, be that physical appearance or chemical make up of the secondary metabolites.

How do you see the role of AI in the future development of indoor agriculture?

I see AI playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing indoor agriculture. This includes automated monitoring and optimization of growth conditions, and using predictive analytics for crop health and yield, leading to more sustainable and efficient food production methods.

Can you describe a typical workday at Ljusgarda?

My typical workday at Ljusgarda involves a mix of data analysis, research, and experimentation in the lab. I focus on optimizing plant growth conditions using AI, which requires careful monitoring and adjusting variables like light, temperature, and nutrients.

How do you interact with other teams at Ljusgarda, and how does this contribute to the company’s development?

I frequently collaborate with other teams and sections, such as technical, IT, production and marketing, to integrate scientific findings into practical applications. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for the company’s development, as it ensures our research is aligned with market needs and technological advancements.

Can you share a current project you are working on and its significance for the future of indoor agriculture?

I’m currently working on an AI-driven system, new plants, and improving protocols for known plants for precision farming in indoor agriculture. This project aims to significantly reduce resource usage while maximizing crop yield, which is vital for sustainable food production in urban environments.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to a career in science or AI?

My advice is to be curious, and persistent, and not to be intimidated by challenges. Embrace opportunities to learn and grow, and remember that diverse perspectives are invaluable in scientific innovation.

Where do you see yourself and your work in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself leading groundbreaking research in AI, gene editing and plant science, contributing to major advancements in sustainable agriculture.

How do you believe your work at Ljusgarda can bring about positive changes in society and the environment?

I believe that my work at Ljusgarda, within its warm, friendly atmosphere and alongside a professional team, greatly contributes to my daily growth in knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture. The excellent environment for creativity and support for innovative ideas at Ljusgarda ensures that every day, I take a step further than the last towards advancing in my field. The novel ideas and exceptional teamwork propel us closer to our goals each day.

How do you use social media to share your research and ideas?

I use social media platforms Like LinkedIn and Researchgate to share research updates and insights into the science behind our work, and to engage with both the scientific community and the public.

verticalfarming with ai

How important do you think it is to make scientific findings accessible to a wider audience?

It’s crucial to make scientific findings accessible to a wider audience. This transparency fosters public trust and encourages more people to engage with science and understand its impact on daily life.

How does collaboration with experts from other scientific fields affect your work?

Collaboration with experts from different scientific fields is a cornerstone of my approach, as it brings a wealth of diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. This interdisciplinary interaction not only enriches the quality of my research but also broadens its impact, allowing for the application of science in more holistic and innovative ways. By engaging with experts in areas such as computer science, engineering, and environmental science, I can integrate their unique insights into my work. This synergy creates a fertile ground for breakthroughs, especially in areas like AI-driven plant research, where cross-disciplinary knowledge is vital for advancing sustainable agricultural practices. These collaborations not only foster scientific advancement but also contribute to the practical application of research in addressing real-world challenges.

Which new technologies or innovations do you currently find most exciting in your field?

Currently, AI-driven environmental control systems in indoor farming and CRISPR technology for plant genetics are among the most exciting innovations in my field.

What have been the greatest challenges in your career so far, and how have you overcome them?

A significant challenge in my career has been working with living organisms, especially in decoding their responses to environmental changes. It’s like solving a complex puzzle, understanding the intricate relationship between a plant’s environment and its reactions. This task, while demanding, is also incredibly captivating and forms a vital part of my work in plant research and AI.

Are there any figures in science whom you particularly admire or who have influenced your career?

Marie Curie and Jennifer Doudna have profoundly influenced my career. Curie’s pioneering work in radioactivity and her resilience in a male-dominated field have always been a source of inspiration. Similarly, Doudna’s groundbreaking contributions to gene-editing technology through CRISPR-Cas9 have shown me the transformative power of scientific innovation. Both embody the pursuit of knowledge and determination I aspire to in my own work.

Thank you very much for your time!

About Ljusgårda AB

Ljusgårda is an award-winning and innovative company that was started as a garage project in Sweden in 2017. Today, they have grown into a company with around 50 employees and run state-of-the-art indoor cultivation in a 7,000 sqm industrial premises. The premises have been renovated and upgraded to climate-certified indoor cultivation in the past year.

Ljusgårda’s vision is to make Sweden more self-sufficient and less dependent on climate-damaging imports and we at Constructor, are very proud that they have chosen a Shuttle system from us for their cultivation process.

If you have any further questions about Ljusgårda AB, feel free to contact by mail [email protected]

Visit www.supernormalgreens.se

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