Rooting for root research 2026

The International Symposium on Root Development (often referred to as the “Rooting” conference series) takes place every three years and unites developmental biology, agriculture, plant-pathogen interactions, and biotechnology – on plant roots! 

After it had taken place in a monastery in Ghent in 2023, this year’s conference was held at the Riva Marina Resort in Specchiolla on the Adriatic coast of Southern Italy, organised by Sabrina Sabatini (University of Rome), Raffaele Dello Ioio (University of Rome) and Riccardo Di Mambro (University of Pisa). 

Of course, the conference also provided a wonderful opportunity for members of our Root Anatomy and Architecture working group of the International Society of Root Research (ISRR) (https://www.rootresearch.org/working-groups) to meet in person. Our group brings together early- and mid-career researchers from around the world, including the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands. While we usually connect online, this conference gave us the chance to finally meet face-to-face, get to know one another better, and talk science.

What do the organizers think?

The next edition of the conference (12^th International Symposium on Root Development) is planned to be held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, organized by Ikram Blilou and colleagues. Looking forward to seeing you there!