August 23–28, the 7th International Conference of IUFRO Working Party 2.09.02 was held for the first time in China at Northeast Forestry University (NEFU). Under the theme “Breaking Through Bottlenecks in Tree Somatic Embryogenesis and Clonal Propagation in the Era of Omics and Nanotechnology,” the conference brought together 167 experts, scholars, and young students from 15 countries, including China, the United States, Spain, Japan, France, and Finland. Participants engaged in extensive, in-depth discussions on key scientific issues and technological bottlenecks in tree somatic embryogenesis and clonal propagation, including underlying biological mechanisms, large-scale propagation technologies, nanotechnology applications, intelligent industrial development, and integrating biotechnology with advanced breeding technologies.

Opening Ceremony of the 7th International Conference of IUFRO Working Party 2.09.02

The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Zhang Peng, Dean of the School of Forestry at NEFU and Executive Vice Chair of the conference. Zhang Chunlei, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC NEFU Committee and Vice President of NEFU, attended the ceremony and delivered a welcome address on behalf of the organizers. Dr. Paloma Moncaleán, Coordinator of IUFRO Working Party 2.09.02, and Researcher Wang Junhui, Deputy Coordinator of the Working Party, also spoke. Dr. Moncaleán outlined the Working Party's development and the conference arrangements. She noted that omics and nanotechnology are key approaches to overcoming bottlenecks in tree propagation and emphasized the vital role of young researchers. She expressed hope that the conference would further promote international research collaboration and support young scholars’ development.

Zhang Chunlei, Vice President of NEFU, Delivers a Welcome Address

Dr. Paloma Moncaleán, Coordinator of IUFRO Working Party 2.09.02, Delivers Remarks

The conference featured five keynote presentations, 15 invited presentations, 32 oral presentations, and 35 poster presentations, spanning the full spectrum from basic research and technological innovation to industrial applications. Renowned experts from China and abroad, including Professor Fan Guoqiang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor at Henan Agricultural University; Dr. Alvaro J. Duran Sandoval of APRIL Group, Indonesia; Researcher Liu Qikun; Professor S. Mohan Jain of Finland; and Dr. Scott Merkle of the University of Georgia, USA, shared their latest research findings.

Academician Fan Guoqiang of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor at Henan Agricultural University Delivers a Keynote Address

Dr. Scott Merkle of the University of Georgia Delivers a Keynote Presentation Online

Focused on integrating basic research, technological innovation, and industrial applications, the conference showcased cutting-edge research achievements and broadened researchers’ academic horizons in tree somatic embryogenesis. Participants held in-depth discussions on emerging topics such as plant regeneration mechanisms, genetic stability regulation, intelligent propagation technologies, and nanotechnology applications.

The conference also organized a dedicated session for young scholars and graduate students, giving them a valuable platform to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with industry experts. Through a variety of activities, including thematic presentations, poster sessions, and laboratory visits, the conference facilitated interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration among research teams from different countries, injecting new vitality into cultivating young talent and advancing innovation in the discipline.

Evelyn dos Santos, an Outstanding Student Representative and PhD Student from Brazil, Delivers a Thematic Presentation.

Professor Shen Hailong of the School of Forestry and Executive Chair of the Conference Delivers an Invited Presentation

The conference’s successful conclusion further strengthened NEFU’s collaboration with IUFRO and research institutions worldwide and promoted deeper integration among basic research, technological innovation, and industrial applications.