The InnoVar project, spearheaded by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), was a central focus at the recent Irish Plant Scientists Association Meeting (IPSAM) hosted by AFBI and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). IPSAM brought together plant scientists across Ireland, providing a platform for early career researchers and postdoctoral researchers to present their findings. Originating in the 1970s, IPSAM has evolved into a vital forum for botanists on the island. In 2023, the event spanned multiple venues, covering diverse topics from plant pathology to soil chemistry. The second day, held across AFBI sites, featured keynotes from Professor Elizabeth Magowan on sustainable agriculture and Dr. Jim McAdam’s insights into agroforestry. The AFBI Plant Testing Station showcased advancements in plant variety testing, including updates on the InnoVar project, highlighting its goal to integrate new technologies and enhance efficiency in plant variety testing. The collaborative spirit at IPSAM underscores the bright future of plant science research in Ireland.
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