Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) will take place on May 18, 2026, as part of a global initiative coordinated by the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO). In the United States, ASPB serves as the national host and coordinator.
FoPD is an international outreach effort designed to engage the public with the importance of plant science across disciplines, including agriculture, food systems, sustainability, horticulture, forestry, and plant-derived products such as bioenergy, materials, and pharmaceuticals.
We invite plant science professionals, educators, and institutions to organize and register events that promote dialogue between plant scientists and the public. While May 18 is the focal date, eligible events can be held any time between March and November 2026.
A few potential activities and ideas include:
- Public lectures or lab open houses
- Field days, garden tours, or demonstration plots
- K–12 or undergraduate engagement programs
- Interdisciplinary panels involving scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders
This year’s collective goal is to exceed 1,000 registered events globally, strengthening public understanding of plant science and its role in addressing current and future societal challenges.
Your participation is critical to advancing this mission and increasing the visibility of plant science in the United States and beyond. Learn more and register an FoPD event.