Here in Ithaca, NY, the days are getting shorter and cooler as summer comes to a close, but with the start of our new academic year, it is a time of excitement and promise. For our Society too there is a lot to look forward to in the coming year.
Not least, the 20th IS-MPMI Congress next July, in the beautiful city of Cologne, Germany, a science hub rich in history and culture. The program will feature a variety of speakers from around the world to showcase the most exciting findings in plant-microbe interactions, with ample time for human interactions. Plan now on "Making Global Connections in Plant-Microbe Interactions" in Cologne 2025!
I also am happy to report that the IS-MPMI Board of Directors, beyond its historical role of selecting a locale and assisting the organizers for the biannual congress, has been building on transformative initiatives developed during the pandemic—in professional development for our early-career members and in community building that promotes geographic and social diversity. We have been working on new initiatives too, in open science and public outreach, that we hope will help members better share their research and its importance.
You can look forward to several things already in the works, including more frequent episodes of the Microgreens podcast, a new slate of What's New in MPMI Virtual Seminars, a reprisal of the 2022 Online Early Career Showcase, first author interviews and other engaging new content in the Interactions newsletter, and, as offered for the 19th IS-MPMI Congress, a permanent switch to open access to all congress posters and talks by authors and speakers who sign on.
More is being planned, and the board will need your help. Keep an eye out for calls to get involved, and send me or any other board member your thoughts and ideas on how together we can best advance the IS-MPMI mission of supporting member achievement, as well as realize our vision to "embody a diverse, engaged, international community of scientists, educators, and other stakeholders to create and share foundational knowledge in plant-microbe interactions toward greater understanding, appreciation, and sustainable use of plants and the environments in which they grow."
Whether the days are getting shorter or longer where you are, and wherever you may be in your calendar, my sincere best wishes for the year ahead. On behalf of all the board members, we look forward to your successes and to working together to strengthen our community and the positive impact of our discipline.
With best regards,
Adam Bogdanove
IS-MPMI President
