The first edition of the IMPP-AR Workshop (Taller Argentino de Interacción Molecular Planta-Patógeno) was held on 3–4 August 2025 at INTECH, Chascomús, Argentina, bringing together research groups from across the country working in the field of molecular plant–microbe interactions. The workshop was organized by Marina Clemente (INTECH-CONICET/UNSAM), Georgina Fabro (CIQUIBIC-CONICET/ UNC and IS- MPMI board member), Nicolás Cecchini (CIQUIBIC-CONICET/ UNC), Marcela Dotto (ICIAGRO Litoral-CONICET/UNL), María Eugenia Segretin (INGEBI-CONICET / UBA). Participants were also joined by IS-MPMI junior board member Mauricio Contreras. The meeting successfully fulfilled its main goal of establishing a national forum dedicated to the molecular plant-microbe interaction community, where researchers could share knowledge, resources, and experimental approaches, while strengthening connections among groups working on related biological questions from diverse systems and perspectives. The scientific program covered key areas of the field, including plant immunity, pathogen virulence, beneficial microbes, biotechnology and genome-editing tools, and molecular strategies to improve crop resilience and disease resistance.
Beyond the scientific sessions, IMPP-AR 2025 stood out for its strong spirit of community and collective commitment. At a time of severe cuts affecting science and public education in Argentina, the workshop provided an important space to reaffirm the value of collaboration, solidarity, and shared resources. It also underscored the need to boost plant–microbe interaction research in the Global South, where locally grounded science is essential for developing and deploying sustainable solutions to challenges specific to regional production systems. By fostering new connections and future collaborative projects, IMPP-AR 2025 laid the foundation for a stronger Argentine and regional network committed to advancing plant health, sustainable agriculture, and food security. One outcome of the meeting was an initiative spearheaded by Mauricio Contreras to have discounted membership for scientists from the Global South to join IS-MPMI, an initiative that will soon be implemented.
