Additional events will be held before the opening ceremony on Sunday, July 16, 2023 and during the free afternoon on Tuesday, July 18! Register to attend a satellite meeting or workshop when you register for the congress. Registration is now open.
9th International Powdery Mildew Workshop
Sunday, July 16th 09:00 - 12:00
Organized by: Dr. Ralph Panstruga, RWTH Aachen University and Prof. Shunyuan Xiao, University of Maryland
Description: The satellite meeting is meant to bring together scientists with an interest in studying powdery mildew and other similar diseases caused by biotrophic fungal pathogens. It is supposed to serve as a platform to exchange and discuss current/new research methods/strategies and recent findings, and to identify new research directions regarding all aspects of interactions of plants with powdery mildew fungi. The scope of research for this satellite meeting covers fungal genomics and mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity as well as plant resistance / susceptibility.
Why should you attend: Researchers with an interest in powdery mildew diseases. because researches concerning host immunity, disease control, fungicide resistance, fungal genomics and effector biology are typical topics of the work presented.
The Making of a Story - Building Narratives and Communicating Science Effectively
Sunday, July 16th 10:00 - 12:00
Organized by: Dr. Tiffany Mak, The NNF Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) and Dr. Amelia Lovelace, The Sainsbury Laboratory
Description: The relationship and perception between science and society is changing. Researchers are becoming much more aware of the importance of science communication as being an integral part of doing good science. Effective science communication not only facilitates knowledge sharing, but is also part of the process of inquiry and knowledge generation. We, the AFEs of MPMI, are a diverse group of early career researchers who share the same passion for creative and effective science communication and public engagement.
In this session, we will go on a journey and explore how we make use of different media and processes (incl. research graphics, podcasts, author interviews and press releases) to transform interesting scientific research topics into various forms of science communication engagements. We hope that these discussions will inspire other scientists to find creative ways to engage with diverse audiences regarding their research and generate active discussions on how everyone benefits from effective science communication.
Why should you attend: Science communications is an integral part of academic research and so the session is for all researchers.
Sequence Modeling and Genome Mining to Discover Virulence Factors in Plant Pathogens
Sunday, July 16th 10:00 - 12:00
Organized by: Jose Huguet-Tapia, University of Florida
Description: The constant improvement of whole genome sequencing methodologies has offered important biological information. The databases containing sequences are essential resources for scientists dedicated to studying plant-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of virulence. However, the fast and constant generation of genomic data has created a bottleneck in its analysis. Processes like curation, organization, sharing, and analysis that transform "big data" into "smart data" are moving slowly. In several cases, the scientific community involved in plant-pathogen interaction needs fair access to bioinformatics resources that allow the ideal usage of big genomic data. This workshop aims to train scientists in managing and mining genome data. The workshop will use machine-learning approaches to model biological sequences. We will use a case study to design and implement a pipeline to explore the diversity of effectors in the Xanthomonas species.
Why should you attend: This workshop is directed at scientists interested in discovering and studying novel virulence factors in plant pathogens. Researchers conducting genome analysis and comparisons are encouraged to participate in this workshop. The central vision of this initiative is democratizing bioinformatics resources for the scientific communities that are not experts in the field. The workshop is also an excellent platform to discuss how bioinformatics approaches can be better deployed in plant-microbe interaction research programs.
Molecular Basis of Disease in the Actinobacteria
Tuesday, July 18th 13:30 - 17:00
Organized by: Dr. Gitta Coaker, University of California and Dr. Frank White, University of Florida
Description: Actinobacteria contain a variety of plant pathogenic species, and little is known about host defenses and how the various species evade host defenses at the molecular level. Here, the focus will be on Clavibacter, the most diverse group of plant pathogenic actinobacteria in terms of associated host diseases. The genetics of compatibility of the pathogens and the respective hosts is rudimentary, and no individual resistance genes have been characterized. The session will introduce the state of the science in the field. The number of genomes has increased, and genomic comparisons among the species will be discussed. Novel findings on genomic diversity and the molecular bases of virulence mechanisms, host range, and resistance will be presented. The presentations and discussion will provide insight into the commonalities of the various diseases and the ecological context of the various species. Talks and participation will include early career researchers (ECRs), including graduate students, postdocs, newly appointed faculty, and established researchers with majority presentations from ECRs. The subject should be of interest to all scientists with an interest in pathogen.
Why should you attend: The workshop will provide latest insights and research results of the molecular mechanisms of disease and resistance in diseases caused by bacteria in the genus Clavibacter. Phylogenetic and biological relationships to other actinobacteria will also be presented. The attendees will learn of the latest tools and resources for the study of actinobacterial pathogens and associated hosts.
IS-MPMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Social Event
Tuesday, July 18th 18:30 - 21:30 at Trinity Beer Garden, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
Organized by: Sonali Roy, Tennessee State University and Edel Perez-Lopez, Universite Laval
Description: Join us for an enriching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) social event, designed to foster connection, celebrate diversity, and welcome new members of underrepresented communities into the IS-MPMI. We will have three discussion leaders facilitating conversations around 'Challenges and Opportunities for LGBTQIA+ Individuals in STEM’, 'Black, Latinx, and Indigenous Peoples in Science' and an often-shared identity by many scientists who traveled outside their countries in pursuit of knowledge 'Cultural Assimilation as an Immigrant'. Each group provides a safe space for sharing, learning, and brainstorming strategies to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Whether you're part of these communities or an ally eager to understand and support, you're welcome to join the discussions.
Why should you attend: We warmly welcome everyone to an inclusive networking event, particularly focusing on celebrating and fostering connections within the LGBTQIA+, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and immigrant communities, as well as allies who support and advocate for these communities.
Connect, mingle, drink, and dance into the night at the Trinity Beer Garden, an outdoor venue that is just a brisk 5-minute walk from the convention center (not to be confused with the Trinity Brewhouse). This networking event will be accompanied by a live DJ with drinks to purchase.
