Goodluck Benjamin, Junior Member IS-MPMI Board of Directors
As my tenure on the IS-MPMI Board of Directors draws to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on what has been one of the most meaningful professional experiences of my early career.
Joining the board as a junior member in 2022 was both an exciting and humbling experience. Coming from Nigeria and joining during the course of my Ph.D. studies at Université Côte d’Azur in France, I always strove to represent underrepresented voices in global scientific spaces. IS-MPMI provided me a platform, not just to observe but to actively contribute to shaping conversations and initiatives in our community.
What I valued most during my time on the IS-MPMI Board was the environment of openness and inclusivity. From the outset, my ideas, shaped by my background and perspective as a young scientist from a developing country, were genuinely welcomed and respected. I had the privilege of contributing to several impactful IS-MPMI initiatives, including the 2023 and 2025 IS-MPMI Congresses, participating in reviewing award nominations, travel grants, and organizing scientific sessions.
One of the highlights was co-organizing the Early Career Showcase, an event designed to spotlight the work of emerging scientists while fostering dialogue around the professional and personal journeys of early career researchers. I had the honor of moderating discussions on mentoring, an area I am deeply passionate about. These experiences were not only fulfilling but also instrumental in bridging geographical and cultural gaps, promoting scientific exchange across continents, and fostering a true sense of belonging within our global community of plant-microbe scientists.
This experience also helped me grow. I learned how a society like IS-MPMI functions behind the scenes, how ideas are translated into initiatives, how diverse voices are incorporated into strategy, and, most importantly, how community is built in a truly international field. It has reinforced my belief that science is not only about discovery, but also about collaboration and accessibility.
To early career researchers considering deeper involvement in societies like IS-MPMI—do it. You don’t need to have a long list of publications or years of experience, just a willingness to engage, contribute, and listen. The opportunity to serve doesn’t only benefit the society; it shapes you in ways that no lab experience can.
Looking forward, I am hopeful. I envision a molecular plant-microbe interactions community that continues to elevate diverse perspectives and brings greater visibility to scientists from underserved regions. As we move ahead, I encourage our society to keep asking, “Who else can we reach? Who else can we empower?”
Serving on the IS-MPMI Board is more than a line on my CV, it is a chapter of growth, advocacy, and connection. I leave with gratitude and a renewed commitment to advancing plant-microbe interactions for the benefit of all.