Call to Action: Elevating Plant Science Priorities in Future NIH Common Fund Initiatives

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund is seeking input from the research community through a Request for Information (RFI) on potential new NIH-wide research initiatives. Responses are due September 19, 2026, providing an important opportunity for plant scientists to highlight how plant biology, plant-based research systems, and cross-disciplinary approaches can contribute to emerging … Read more

Crops of the Future: Reviving Neglected and Underutilized Crops for Global Nutrition Webinar Series (September 1 and 2)

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About this Webinar Series: This webinar series will focus on underutilized crops, plant species of local or regional importance that have received limited attention in research, breeding, and policy compared with global staples such as rice, maize, and wheat. These crops hold significant potential to strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and support rural livelihoods. Their … Read more

Call to Action: Protect Merit-Based Federal Research Funding

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The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed significant changes to the Uniform Guidance, the government-wide framework governing federal financial assistance. Of particular concern to the research community are proposed changes that could increase political and administrative oversight of federal grant awards, including additional review by senior agency officials and greater discretion … Read more

ASPB President’s Update: Plant Biology 2026: ASPB and CSPB Take Ottawa by Storm

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I am thrilled to report that two weeks ago, Plant Biology 2026 welcomed 1,203 registrants from 43 countries to Ottawa, Canada! The conference program featured 45 oral sessions, including plenaries, concurrent symposia, workshops, and networking events.  In addition, the large poster hall venue featured 662 poster presentations. We were especially proud to host this conference … Read more