UCT's Biopharming Research Unit to Host International Plant Molecular Farming Conference

The University of Cape Town's Biopharming Research Unit will host the sixth International Society for Plant Molecular Farming (ISPMF) conference from May 6-8, 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cape Town. This marks the first time the conference will be held outside of Europe.

The ISPMF is an academic society for scientists engaged in plant molecular farming, with over 100 members from around the world. The conference will feature keynote speakers including Eun-Ju Sohn, CEO of BioApp in South Korea; Yuri Gleba, CEO of Nomad BioSciences in Germany; and Ed Rybicki, director of UCT's Biopharming Research Unit.

In addition to presentations from international scientists sharing insights into their research, the conference will include an interactive workshop for second- and third-year science undergraduates. The workshop aims to introduce students to the field of plant molecular pharming and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Why this matters: Hosting the ISPMF conference in South Africa highlights the growing importance and global reach of plant molecular farming research. The event provides a platform for international collaboration and knowledge sharing that can advance the field and its applications.

UCT's Biopharming Research Unit, led by Ed Rybicki, has established itself as a key player in plant molecular farming. Rybicki expressed excitement about welcoming the international plant molecular farming community to Cape Town and showcasing the unit's work. "This will be the first time the conference is hosted outside of Europe," Rybicki noted, emphasizing the significance of bringing the event to South Africa.

Key Takeaways

• UCT's Biopharming Research Unit to host 6th ISPMF conference in May 2024.
• ISPMF is an academic society for plant molecular farming scientists worldwide.
• Conference to feature keynote speakers and an interactive workshop for students.
• Hosting the conference in SA highlights the global reach of plant molecular farming.
• UCT's Biopharming Research Unit is a key player in plant molecular farming.