Professor John Tagg, will be talking about his journey through the worlds of science and business.

He is a world renowned microbiologist from the University of Otago in New Zealand whose targeted research has led to the discovery of S. salivarius BLIS K12, a revolutionary ORAL probiotic that prevents infection (including strep throat) where it begins – in your mouth.

When he was just a boy of 12, John Tagg contracted an especially bad case of strep throat that led to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a delayed, autoimmune reaction to the bacteria that causes strep throat – Streptococcus pyogenes. It is a very painful, inflammatory condition that makes joints swell and redden. Because rheumatic fever can permanently weaken and damage the heart, it is important to prevent a recurrence of strep. John’s doctor put him on a course of antibiotics every day for 10 years, a common procedure at the time.

Francisca Griffin, will be talking about “Weed Medicine”

She is a naturopath who’s fascination with natural health started when she was 23, growing herbs, and treating her partner and friends with the knowledge picked up from books. Sixteen years later she decided to turn her natural abilities into a career, and began studying towards a diploma in naturopathy and has now been a registered naturopath for eight years.