On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we are pleased to invite you to Utrecht, to the third “Young Researchers Symposium on Plant Photobiology” (YRSPP). YRSPP2024 will be a gathering for early career researchers (ECRs) in the field of plant photobiology. It comes at a crucial juncture in the advancement of our understanding of plant biology. As the world grapples with critical issues such as climate change and food security, there is a growing need to harness the potential of plants to mitigate these challenges. European ECRs, including PhD students/candidates and postdocs, are at the forefront of this research, and this meeting seeks to provide them with a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This gathering aims to leverage the rich scientific resources and expertise of the region to foster an environment of cross-disciplinary cooperation.

Last time we met, at YRSPP2022, it was virtually. Spanning three days from March 9th to 12th, 2022, this dynamic event, hosted in a GatherTown environment, employed creative approaches to help ECRs effectively present their research and establish meaningful online connections within the scientific community. We had over 20 presentations, and discussion at more than 40 posters! Organised by an amazing team of researchers from Glasgow, Cologne and Freiburg, this collaborative endeavor highlights the vibrant spirit of the next generation of photobiology researchers and also speaks about the success of the YRSPP 2022 in fostering a supportive environment for the advancement of plant photobiology research. We organise YRSPP2024 in this same spirit, and hope you have a great time here!

A bit of history: how did YRSPP come to be?

The Young Researchers Symposium on Plant Photobiology (YRSPP) originated from a conversation in a Matsue, Japan conference center elevator, where frustrated PhD students discussed the limited involvement of young scientists in the significant International Symposium on Plant Photobiology (ISPP). Feeling the need to address this gap, the first YRSPP took place in Cologne in 2018, facilitating successful networking for over 50 young researchers. Subsequently, a team formed over drinks decided to organize the YRSPP 2020, postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic. The latest YRSPP, organized by Beatrix Enderle, Nikolai Kahle, Dorothee Lambert, Elisa Vellutini, Philipp Schwenk, and Oliver Artz, continued the tradition of providing a platform for young researchers in plant photobiology to connect and collaborate.

Scientific Goal

The primary scientific goal of this meeting is to facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge research in plant photobiology among ECRs. The spotlight will be on them. ECRs will deliver talks and present their work, allowing them to showcase their findings and receive constructive feedback from peers, including senior researchers like Ronald Pierik and Karen Halliday. This emphasis on ECR participation underscores our commitment to nurturing the careers of young investigators in the field. Moreover, the inclusion of newly appointed assistant professors like Johanna Krahmer, Martin Balcerowicz, Andres Romanowski, and Kasper van Gelderen, will offer early career researchers the opportunity to gain insights into successful academic trajectories and build valuable connections.

Societal Impact

Plant photobiology is of international importance, as it intersects with critical global challenges. Understanding how plants respond to light and how these responses affect their growth, development, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions is crucial for addressing issues such as food security, sustainability, and climate change mitigation. The research that will be discussed at this meeting has the potential to drive innovations in agriculture, conservation, and environmental science. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among European ECRs, this meeting has the power to catalyze groundbreaking discoveries and propel the international community toward more sustainable and resilient solutions to pressing societal problems. The engagement of senior researchers and assistant professors underscores the commitment to mentorship and knowledge transfer, enhancing the capacity of early investigators to make a lasting impact in plant photobiology research on a global scale.