Vietnam to host Asian Plant Pathology Conference 2027

A Vietnamese delegation recently attended the Asian Plant Pathology Conference (ACPP 2024) in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, where it was announced that Vietnam will host ACPP 2027.

The Asian Conference on Plant Pathology (ACPP) is one of the most prestigious and influential academic events in the field of plant pathology in Asia. The inaugural Asian Conference on Plant Pathology was organized by the Chinese Society for Plant Pathology in Beijing in August 2000, which also marked the official establishment of the Association of Asian Plant Pathology Societies.

Since its inception, Asian Conference on Plant Pathology has been successfully hosted in Singapore (2005), Indonesia (2007), Australia (2011), Thailand (2014), and Korea (2017). The conference provides a crucial platform for plant pathologists, academics, and students from Asia, Oceania, and beyond to exchange the latest research findings and discuss emerging trends in plant pathology.

ACPP 2024, the 7th Asian Plant Pathology Conference, will be held in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, in August 2024. The event is organized by the Chinese Society for Plant Pathology in collaboration with Jilin Agricultural University, the Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Jilin Provincial Agricultural Technology Extension Station, and other institutions.

The 2024 conference has drawn participants from 24 countries, including scientists, lecturers, students, and researchers. The program features 10 plenary lectures, 99 subcommittee presentations, 9 national reports on plant disease status, 30 student presentations, and 205 poster presentations.

Asian Conference on Plant Pathology 2024 will not only elevate the international profile of Chinese plant pathology in Asia but also foster academic exchanges and collaboration in the field of plant pathology among Asian countries.

At the conclusion of Asian Conference on Plant Pathology 2024, the Association of Asian Plant Pathologists (AASPP) elected a new executive board for the 2024-2027 term. Professor You-Liang Peng from China was elected as President of the Association, while the Vietnam Plant Pathology Research Association was honored with the Vice Presidency of AASPP.

Notably, the Vietnam Plant Pathology Society (VPS) was selected to host the Asian Plant Pathology Conference 2027 during the event. This conference will take place at the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, under the theme "Plant Health in Sustainable Agriculture."

However, a significant challenge facing Vietnam as the host of Asian Conference on Plant Pathology 2027 is the shortage of plant pathology experts who possess both advanced professional skills and proficiency in English, enabling them to actively and effectively participate in the conference.

Currently, Vietnam lags behind advanced countries in the field of plant pathology. While many nations have delved deeply into cellular and genetic research, Vietnam remains focused on population-level studies. Although a few Vietnamese plant pathologists have ventured into cell and gene research, their numbers are still limited.

Given that many of the scientific presentations at Asian Conference on Plant Pathology 2027 are expected to concentrate on cellular and genetic topics, Vietnam must prioritize the development of its plant pathology scientists. Strengthening their expertise is essential for Vietnam to engage meaningfully in academic exchanges and collaborations with other Asian countries during Asian Conference on Plant Pathology 2027.

The Asian Conference on Plant Pathology is a premier biennial event that brings together leading scientists, researchers, academics, and students from across Asia and beyond to discuss the latest developments and trends in plant pathology. Established in 2000 with its inaugural meeting in Beijing, the conference has grown to become one of the most influential platforms for the exchange of cutting-edge research and innovations in the field. ACPP provides an essential forum for participants to share insights on plant disease management, foster collaborations, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing plant pathology in the context of sustainable agriculture. Each conference is hosted by a different country, reflecting the collective commitment of the Asian plant pathology community to advancing knowledge and addressing the pressing agricultural issues of the region.