The 1st National Conference on Plant Stem Cell Biology (NCPSCB) was held at HZAU from November 18 to 19. It was sponsored by the Plant Cell Biology Society of Chinese Society for Cell Biology, Hubei Society for Cell Biology, Botanical society of Hubei, and co-organized by the National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, HZAU, the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops, and Hubei Hongshan Laboratory.
Themed “Frontiers in Plant Stem Cell Research - From Basic Theory to Applications,” the conference had Academician Xu Zhihong and Zhu Yuxian of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) serve as honorary chairmen and Academician Deng Xiuxin of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and Academician Zhang Qifa of CAS as advisors. Among the distinguished attendees were Li Zhaohu, President of HZAU, Xue Hongwei, President of South China Agricultural University, and Prof. Zhang Xianxing of Shandong Agricultural University. In addition, the conference drew a participation of 376 individuals from 110 universities, research institutes, and enterprises, representing 8 countries or regions, including China, the UK, and Germany.
The opening ceremony, held at the report hall of the National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, commenced on the morning of November 18. It was attended by Academician Xu and President Li, who both delivered speeches.
President Li delivers a speech [Photo/ Han Xinyao]
President Li emphasized the considerable attention and strong support given by national key laboratories at HZAU and province-level administrative divisions towards research on this field. He expressed his belief that under the off-site guidance of experts and the joint efforts of professionals from various fields, the Conference would undoubtedly promote the fundamental theoretical research and applications of stem cell biology, making contributions to major areas, such as human development and food security.
Academician Xu provided a comprehensive review and summary of the plant stem cell research. He denoted that as the research scope continues to expand due to advancements in modern technology, new challenges constantly arise in the field of plant cell totipotency. Considering the broad prospects of stem cell applications, he highlighted the ongoing dedication required from scholars in related fields. Furthermore, he acknowledged the leading role of HZAU in this research area and called for the active involvement of young talents in frontline research to achieve remarkable accomplishments and help China earn more recognition in the global scientific community.
During the conference, scholars presented their research from different angles within the theme of “Frontiers in Plant Stem Cell Research - from Basic Theory to Applications”. Prof. Gao Shaorong from Tongji University, Prof. Zhao Zhong from CSTC, Prof. Zhang Donghui from Hubei University, and Prof. Liu Chunming from Peking University delivered academic reports on topics “Embryonic Development, Somatic Cell Reprogramming, and Pluripotent Stem Cells,” “Endogenous Stress Related Signal in the Niche Directs Stem Cell Fate,” “Cell Programming and Microtissue Fabrication,” and “Regulation of Stem Cell Fate and Sieve Tube Differentiation by CLE25 Polypeptide Interacting with the WAG2 Receptor Complex” respectively.
Over the two-day conference, 45 academic presentations took place. The Conference focused on the frontier research on plant stem cells and their theoretical and practical applications. Scholars engaged in academic exchanges and discussions on diverse topics, such as non-model plant stem cell research, commonalities and characteristics of stem cell regulation in animals and plants, the application of plant stem cells in modern biotechnology including tissue culture, grafting, cuttings and other asexual reproduction, plant genome editing and its genetic transformation, molecular breeding of crops, and plant stem cell chassis in synthetic biology.
Academician Zhang awards prizes to the outstanding poster presenters [Photo/ Zhang Yuxing]
On the afternoon of the 19th, the Conference concluded with a speech delivered by Prof. Xiong Lizhong, Dean of the College of Life Science and Technology, at the report hall of the National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement. Xiong pointed out that the Conference had yielded fruitful academic achievements, providing a broad platform for researchers on stem cells to exchange their academic ideas and promoting innovative thinking. He also announced that the second NCPSCB would be held at SDAU in 2025. Following the speech, Academician Zhang awarded honorary certificates to 10 outstanding poster presenters and then took a group photo with them. Prof. Chen Chunli from HZAU and Prof. Zhang Xiansheng from SDAU conducted the flag hand-over ceremony. Prof. Zhang envisioned the 2nd Conference as a springboard for groundbreaking research and innovative ideas, building upon the success of the first conference.
Source: http://news.hzau.edu.cn/2023/1120/68420.shtml
Translated by Zuo Yuexiang
Proofread by Zhu Kaiyue
Supervised by Jin Bei
