Since the 1980s, Vietnam agricultural productivity has experienced rapid growth, significantly contributed to national food security and successfully competed in the international markets. Despite this success, agriculture in Vietnam is now facing environmental challenges, as Vietnam is classified by World Bank as one of five countries most likely to be affected by global warming in the future. This conference will focus on the latest breakthroughs in genome editing and its applications in agriculture, including addressing climate change challenges. In recent years, the field of plant biology has witnessed remarkable advances that deepen our understanding and offer transformative solutions to global challenges. Among the game-changing technologies, genome editing stands out as a powerful tool, providing unprecedented precision and efficiency in manipulating plant genomes. The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 and other genome editing techniques has opened up exciting possibilities as researchers worldwide explore ways to engineer crop varieties with enhanced nutritional content and develop climate-resilient plants capable of thriving under changing environmental conditions. As this technology continues to advance, it holds immense promise of transforming agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. VAPB2024 will gather esteemed speakers who are at the forefront of their respective fields. They will share their expertise and insights, offering valuable perspectives on the latest breakthroughs and the transformative potential of genome editing. More than just a knowledge-sharing platform, this conference will provide an opportunity for scientists, researchers, and industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and create new collaborations. Additionally, we are committed to empowering students in Vietnam by providing traveling fellowships for students to attend the conference, making it an exceptional learning opportunity for them to be part of this global scientific event.

We intend this conference will be a groundbreaking introduction to the potential of genome editing to improve agriculture across South East Asia. As well as talks from leading experts in CRISPR applications, the conference will include multiple “meet the experts” sessions, where students will have opportunities for informal scientific discussions with speakers. Conference attendees will also present their work in selected talks and posters to get feedback on their research. We expect the conference will be attended by ~ 200 students and trainees from across South East Asia.