Georgina Fabro
National University of Córdoba-CONICET
Argentina
View Statement
As a plant pathologist from South America, I have a long-standing engagement with IS-MPMI (reading/reviewing for the journal and following the field) and I am keen to contribute to the board of directors.
While past/present funding limitations in Argentina regrettably hindered my access to IS-MPMI conferences (I could only attend during my postdoc in UK), my commitment to promoting plant-microbe interaction research remains unwavering. As a Latin American female researcher, professor and department deputy director, I have a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as is part of our day-to-day fight in this country. I consider that I can offer a valuable perspective on the specific challenges and promising avenues for collaborative research within South America and between our region and the wider global community. I believe that it is crucial to continue building professional networks and facilitating clear communication between the plant-pathogen interaction scientific communities in South America and the rest of the IS-MPMI society, thereby fostering the exchange of vital information and opportunities.
I am particularly motivated to encourage Latin American scientists at all career stages to present their significant research findings using IS-MPMI platforms (congresses, webinars), which will undoubtedly enrich the global knowledge base and stimulate further collaborations. My experience positions me well to serve as a mentor for both students and young researchers.
Furthermore, I am eager to contribute to expanding IS-MPMI's outreach to Latin American audiences by helping to translate and adapt relevant materials and by actively participating in educational programs and potentially collaborating on local events in South America under the IS-MPMI banner. I firmly believe that by actively engaging and incorporating the unique knowledge and perspectives of researchers in plant-pathogen interactions from South America – including our insights into unique interactions, defense mechanisms specific to local plants, our experience in regional agricultural systems and their particular challenges, and the unique ecological models offered by South American ecosystems – we can significantly enhance and contribute to the overarching mission and vision of IS-MPMI.
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