Between 17–18 September 2026, the Slovenian Society of Plant Biology organized the international scientific conference “Rethinking Plant Systems for the Future” at Hotel Habakuk in Maribor, Slovenia. The event brought together 65 researchers from seven countries, who presented the latest advances in plant biology and discussed future challenges and opportunities for research collaboration. The successful conference once again highlighted the importance of such meetings in bringing the scientific community together and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
This year’s conference placed particular emphasis on interactions between plants, microorganisms, and the environment. The diverse scientific programme featured 6 invited lectures, 19 short oral presentations, and 16 posters, organized into five sessions. Participants explored the diversity and roles of plant-associated microbiomes, modern approaches to studying and understanding plant pathogens and pests, beneficial interactions between plants and microorganisms, and novel research methods in plant sciences. An important part of the programme was also dedicated to the impacts of climate change, ecology, and plant conservation biology.
A special feature of this year’s conference was the group discussions, which provided an opportunity to reflect together on the future of plant research. We focused primarily on the strengths and challenges of plant research in Slovenia, as well as opportunities to bring together expertise from different fields and develop internationally relevant interdisciplinary collaborations. The discussions offered a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives, bringing together participants at different career stages, from students to established researchers, and experts from a wide range of disciplines, including biology, microbiology, agronomy, forestry, and conservation biology.
We are delighted that, once again, we successfully created an environment for lively scientific discussions, the exchange of experiences, and networking among researchers from different generations and scientific disciplines. We believe that the new connections and strengthened collaborations will contribute to the continued development of plant biology research in Slovenia.
We sincerely thank our sponsors, BGI Tech, BIA, Kemomed, Omega, Metrob, Avantor (VWR), and AciesBio, for their support, as well as all speakers, participants, and everyone involved in making this year’s conference a success. We look forward to seeing you again in 2030!
PROGRAM & BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
PRESENTATION FORMATS
- Invited lectures: 30 minutes, including discussion
- Oral presentations: 15 minutes, including discussion
- Posters: A0, portrait orientation. All posters will be presented in both poster sessions
CONFIRMED INVITED SPEAKERS
- Nataša ŠTAJNER, Biotehnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
- Janja ZAJC ŽUNIČ, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
- Živa FIŠER, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska
- Maja KRIŽNIK, National Institute of Biology
- Nejc STOPNIŠEK, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
- Nataša ŠIBANC, Slovenian Forestry Institute
IMPORTANT DATES
- April, 2026 – opening of on-line registration at https://www.plantslo.org/wp/conference2026/
- June 22, 2026 – Early bird registration fee payment extended
- June 22, 2026 – Abstract submission for oral presentations extended
- July 31, 2026 – Abstract submission for poster presentations
REGISTRATION FEES
| Early bird (before June 22, 2026) for members of Slovenian Society of Plant Biology | 220 EUR |
| Early bird (before June 22, 2026) for non-members | 250 EUR |
| Full registration fee (after June 22, 2026) | 270 EUR |
| PhD students | 180 EUR |
| BSc and MSc students (with proof of enrolment) | Free |
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
- Špela BAEBLER (National Institute of Biology) – Chair
- Paula PONGRAC (Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana and Jožef Stefan Institute) – Co-Chair
- Nejc STOPNIŠEK (Agricultural Institute of Slovenia)
- Andreja URBANEK KRAJNC (Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor)
- Eva PRAPROTNIK (Agricultural Institute of Slovenia)
- Aleš KLADNIK (Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)
- Matevž LIKAR (Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)
- Ana MEZINEC URBANIJA (Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana)
CONTACT
e-mail: info@plantslo.org
VENUE
Hotel Habakuk, Pohorska ulica 59, 2000 Maribor
Google map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sgq9zz3Zop7ixo4z8
Venue website: https://habakuk.si/
Prices for accommodation include breakfast, access to the fitness and wellness, WiFi and tax:
- Double bedroom, single use: 110€/night
- Double bedroom, double use: 130€/night
Additional costs:
- Tourist tax: 3.13€/ person per day
- Application fee: 1€/person
- Parking in the garage of the hotel: 7€/day
For further announcements and details regarding the conference, please visit regularly the Slovenian Society of Plant Biology web site: https://www.plantslo.org/wp/conference2026/
Registrations are closed for this event
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS NOW CLOSED!
Please submit your abstract on the template provided by sending it to abs@plantslo.org