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2025 Director candidate | Steven Runo​

I am honored to accept the nomination to serve on the IS-MPMI Board and to contribute to a global community committed to advancing our understanding of plant-microbe interactions. My motivation stems from a passion for applying molecular plant science to real-world challenges, especially those impacting smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa.

As a researcher at Kenyatta University in Kenya, my work focuses on the genetic basis of host resistance and virulence in parasitic plant–host interactions, with particular emphasis on Striga, a major constraint to food security in Africa. I use molecular genetics and genomics to develop sorghum varieties resistant to parasitic weeds and better adapted to environmental stresses. This work contributes both to foundational knowledge in plant-microbe interactions and to the development of tangible solutions for improving agricultural sustainability in low-resource settings.

In line with IS-MPMI’s mission, I am especially motivated to help expand platforms for communication, collaboration, and mentorship across our global community. I believe the Society plays a vital role in connecting scientists across geographies, and I am committed to broadening access to its resources—particularly for researchers from the Global South. I see a growing need for IS-MPMI to support early-career scientists, especially those in underrepresented regions, through initiatives such as mentorship programs, training workshops, travel scholarships, and equitable access to publications and conferences.

I am deeply committed to the Society’s vision of building a diverse and engaged international community. Having experienced both the opportunities and barriers of working in resource-limited environments, I would bring a unique perspective to Board discussions and help shape inclusive policies that truly serve a global membership.

On equity, diversity, and inclusion, I believe that talent exists everywhere. As an African scientist who has spent time in the U.S. and Europe, I am particularly sensitive to the challenges faced by minorities in science. One area where I believe IS-MPMI can make an impact is strengthening scientific writing skills. For many underrepresented researchers, strong writing is the key to success in publishing and securing funding. I attribute much of my own success to early training in scientific writing, and I would advocate for support programs that build capacity in this area as a means of advancing the Society’s core values of diversity and inclusion.