12.05.2021

On May 7, 2021, plant scientists from all over the world met for the 6th Leibniz Plant Biochemistry Symposium. For the first time, the event took place online and not as usual on site at the IPB in Halle. The thematic focus was on plant cell walls this year and the organizing team succeeded in attracting seven internationally renowned speakers. They presented latest research covering structure and engineering of cell walls as well as the cell wall's role in different biological contexts. After each presentation, there were many questions and lively discussions. In addition, participants could meet the speakers in dedicated zoom breakout rooms for continued discussion after each session, of which many took advantage.

Prior to the event, around 500 participants from around 30 countries had registered. Well over 200, and in some cases over 250, people attended the talks. Many of the registrants also used the opportunity to watch or rewatch the recorded presentations at a later time point during the following days. At the end of the day, the event received consistently good marks: 91% of the participants rated the event highly and 98% would want to attend again next year. All in all, a successful event highlighting the IPB among international plant science.