PlantACT! Conference 2025

The PlantACT! 2025 Conference will build on the initiative’s mission by providing a platform for international experts to discuss their research and collaborate on pressing climate-related issues. This year’s conference will focus on incentivizing synergies and multidisciplinary approaches across a wide range of topics:

• Soil Community: Delving into soil ecosystems, soil-plant interactions, and the impact of soil biodiversity on sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health.
• Microbiome: Exploring the role of plant-associated microbiomes in enhancing plant resilience, nutrient cycling, and adaptation to changing environments.
• Plant Molecular Biology and Physiology: Investigating how plant molecular and physiological mechanisms can be leveraged to enhance crop productivity, stress tolerance, and adaptation to fluctuating environmental conditions.
• Climate Change Impact: Assessing how climate change alters plant systems, with particular attention to the effects of drought, temperature shifts, and extreme weather on agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems.
• Ecology (Soil, Microbe, Plant): Promoting research on the interactions between soil organisms, microbial communities, and plant systems to foster ecosystems that are both productive and resilient to climate stressors.
• Environment and Economy: Addressing the economic implications of environmental change on agriculture, forestry, and ecosystem services, with a focus on sustainability and resource efficiency.

The goal is to break down barriers between these fields, enabling participants to explore cross-disciplinary approaches that enhance both scientific understanding and practical applications for mitigating climate impacts.

The PlantACT! 2025 conference aims to foster multidisciplinary discussions around key challenges in plant science and climate change. Here is a glimpse of the main sessions:

1. Plenary Sessions
   1. Session 1: Powering Agricultural Production from below
      Exploring the role of soil and microbiomes in agricultural productivity and sustainability. This session will address root growth, soil health, and microbial interactions essential for resilient crop production.
   2. Session 2: Facing Environment and Forests Challenges and Their Economic Impact
      A deep dive into the environmental and economic implications of climate change on forests, biodiversity, and land use, including strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
   3. Session 3: From Observation of Nature and Biodiversity to Lab and Back
      Bridging field observations and laboratory research to advance our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem functionality, translating findings into practical solutions for conservation and agriculture. Use of cutting-edge innovations and technologies (genome editing, biotechnology, and precision farming) to meet agricultural demands, and overcome sustainability challenges.
2. Round Tables, Workshops & Poster Exhibition (in progress)

For more information on the initiative and its objectives, please visit the PlantACT! website.