Monogram 2021: online event for crop research and plant breeding communities

“The meeting is an excellent opportunity for the more junior members of the community to give a talk alongside experts in the field which is vital in encouraging the next generation of crop scientists in the UK"

This week the James Hutton Institute will be hosting the annual conference for the Monogram Network (Monogram 2021) virtually, from Tuesday the 1^st to Friday the 4^th of June. Each day delegates from the crop research and plant breeding community will have the opportunity to hear talks about recent discoveries, participate in discussions, and network with collaborators. Talks will cover topics ranging from the recent advances in crop genomics and technologies, bioinformatics, phenotyping, aspects of cereal quality and impact on nutrition, and understanding more about abiotic and biotic stress in crops.

On Thursday evening, Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, recently appointed Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, will be speaking about his “life scientific”. Sir Geoff Palmer is a truly inspiring figure in many ways, not only for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of cereal science during his distinguished career but also due to being a prominent human rights activist.

Dr Kelly Houston of the James Hutton Institute, current chairperson of the Monogram Network steering committee and co-organiser of the conference, said: “I am delighted that with over 300 delegates, representing over 80 different organisations from countries including India, Australia and Germany this is the largest Monogram conference to date.  I hope that delegates enjoy the program we have put together.

"As always, the meeting is an excellent opportunity for the more junior members of the community to give a talk alongside experts in the field which is vital in encouraging the next generation of crop scientists in the UK.”

Dr Malcolm Macaulay, Monogram Steering Committee member and conference co-organiser, added: “it’s third time lucky in terms of Monogram21 due to previous postponements so we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Dundee albeit virtually and finally enjoy a great week of excellent science.”

The Monogram Network consists of mainly UK based researchers with an active interest in small grain cereal and grass (including the C4 energy grasses) research. Commercial scientists and plant breeders provide the link between Monogram science and commercial exploitation. Monogram includes both basic and more applied research and its members span disciplines including plant genetics, physiology, pathology, breeding, and bioinformatics.

Delegates can still register to attend Monogram 21 all week on Eventbrite which is free for students and £25 for others. Please follow the meeting on social media by using the hashtag #monogram21.