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Epigenetics in Crop Improvement, from Mechanisms to Applications (ECIMA)

Type of activity: EPI-CATCH annual Conference 2023
Date: May 30 - June 01, 2024
Place: Sofia, Bulgaria
Title: Epigenetics in Crop Improvement, from Mechanisms to Applications (ECIMA)
Organisers: Federico Martinelli, Valya Vassileva, Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich, Stephane Maury, Gloria Pinto, Naama Segal, Elini Tani, Pilar Testilliano, Sotirios Fragkostefanakis, Velimir Mladenov
Venue: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, ‘Prof. Marin Drinov’ Hall, Sofia, Bulgaria
Conference report:
The 3rd EPI-CATCH Conference, held from May 30 to June 01, 2024, in Sofia (Bulgaria), brought together EPI-CATCH members, invited speakers and guest attendees to explore the latest research in plant epigenetics. The Conference provided an opportunity for participants to network, collaborate and stay informed on new developments and trends in the field. The event featured several sessions focused on key topics: Plant epigenetic responses to environmental stresses; New concepts and frontiers in epigenetics; Advances and approaches in plant epigenetics for crop improvement. A total of 90 scientists attended in person and 97 participants joined online, representing 30 countries across 5 continents. The conference was broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and through Zoom to facilitate remote engagement and interactive discussions. It hosted a wide range of speakers, poster presenters and attendees from different career stages, scientific fields, cultural backgrounds and expertise in different organisms and experimental approaches. Key discussions focused on epigenetic responses to environmental stresses, mechanisms underlying stress memory, transgenerational effects, adaptation responses and methodologies for studying epigenetic diversity and stress responses.
The event fostered new collaborations that led to grant applications and innovative research projects on plant epigenetics and crop adaptation to climate change. It also strengthened international partnerships and encouraged the exchange of ideas and methodologies.
A Management Committee meeting was conducted at the end of the conference to review the activities from the third year of the Action and to plan future events - training schools, workshops, short-term scientific missions and others.