IRRI scholars gear up for first Plant Sciences Symposium in the Philippines

IRRI and Corteva Agriscience™ are joining forces to host a Plant Sciences Symposium in the Philippines as part of a worldwide, student-driven symposia series inaugurated and supported by Corteva Agriscience™ since 2008.

Organized by the Association of Fellows, Scholars, Trainees and Residents of IRRI (AFSTRI) the day-long program includes presentations and interactions with leading plant scientists from around the world. There will also be student presenters and poster presentations to give scholars and other young scientists an opportunity to showcase their work. The symposium will offer networking opportunities among scientists, experts, researchers, and students in the field of plant breeding and agricultural sciences.


According to organizing committee chair, Parthiban Prakash, “we have invited global and local experts who work on different crops to speak on integrating breeding and crop management solutions for future food security". The topic closely aligns with one of the nine outcome themes identified by the IRRI leadership as a pillar of our impact driven research portfolio. The Outcome Theme “Integrating Breeding and Crop Management solutions for intensive systems” is lead by Dr. Joshua N. Cobb, irrigated lowland breeding lead and invited speaker at the symposium.

“As the world’s population continues to grow and develop under increasingly uncertain political, environmental, and economic conditions, it is more important now than ever that we bring together a strong global community of scientists capable of innovating solutions to the planet’s most pressing problems.”, says, Dr.Cobb. “Essential to that is not only engaging some of the brightest scientific minds in the world but also cultivating the next generation of plant scientists who will bear the torch of scientific innovation far beyond where established professionals can take it today. ”

The Plant Sciences Symposium will be held on August 17 at IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. Interested participants may register for free through their website.

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