The Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) at Mizzou hosts its 42nd annual symposium April 24-26 – and this year’s is a unique, collaborative event. IPG is a Program of Distinction in the Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
The 2026 symposium is also the annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Midwest chapter, said David Braun, IPG director and professor of plant science and technology and biological sciences.
“We expect a big crowd from across the Midwest this year,” Braun said. “This 42nd IPG Symposium and ASPB Midwest annual meeting highlights the full scope of plant biology research. The interdisciplinary work presented here points to an exciting future for both established and emerging scientists. We’re especially proud to spotlight early‑career researchers and the innovative work they are contributing to our community.”
The symposium will cover a broad range of topics including plant development and growth, plant water and nutrient uptake, responses to abiotic and biotic stress and plant-microbe interactions. Research presented will span spatial and temporal scales and will include studies based on model, crop and native species. The symposium is designed to foster close interactions among participants and encourage new ideas and collaborations that will ultimately contribute to more sustainable crop production and enhance ecosystem services.
Multiple speakers are confirmed to present over the course of two days, including Hongqing (Michelle) Guo, Iowa State University; Shuai Huang, Ohio State University; Rose Anna Marks, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Daniela Strenkert, Michigan State University; and Craig Schenck and Dong Xu from the University of Missouri.
“I appreciate the work of our organizing committee, which includes students, faculty and staff members from across the University of Missouri and its partners – in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, in addition to Plant Science and Technology,” Braun said.
Braun and So-Yon Park, assistant professor in Plant Science and Technology, are serving as co-chairs this year.
The IPG is a community of Mizzou faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows and professionals who are pursuing novel, creative and transformative ideas in the field of plant biology. Established in 1981, the IPG seeks to encourage interdisciplinary cooperation between scientists engaged in research in plant molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, bioinformatics and computer science. The group’s aim in integrating these disciplines is to stimulate joint research projects that will enhance our understanding of how plants grow and develop in changing environments.