24. Apr 2026 Actualia (engl.) · Conference Report

Advances in Molecular Plant Science at the MBP2026 Meeting in Hennef

Participants of the 39th Molecular Biology of Plants Conference (MBP2026) at the Sportschule Hennef, Germany. Photo: Dr. José Manuel Ugalde
Participants of the traditional MBP football match at MBP2026, Sportschule Hennef. PIs and ECRs played together in the “Bunt” and “Schwarz” teams (left). Photo: Dr. José Manuel Ugalde
Team “Bunt” won the trophy, which was received by PD Dr. Thilo Rühle (rechts) from Prof. Dr. Hans-Henning Kunz. Photo: Dr. José Manuel Ugalde

The 39th Molecular Biology of Plants Conference (MBP2026) of our Section Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology brought together leading scientists, early-career researchers, and industry representatives at the Sportschule Hennef from 16th to 19th March 2026. Held under the patronage of the DBG Section Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology (SPPMB), the meeting once again provided an inspiring platform for scientific exchange and networking within the international plant science community. Main conference organiser Hans-Henning Kunz (LMU Munich) summarises the meeting that he and his team organised together with Christopher Grefen (Ruhr University Bochum) and Andrea Bräutigam (Bielefeld University). He not only reports about current research areas and developments in molecular plant research, but also explains which early-career researchers (ECRs) were awarded with prizes. MBP2026 showcased the latest advances in molecular plant research and reflected the diversity, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the field.

Keynote and Highlight Lectures

The first conference night opened with the keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. Krishna Niyogi (University of California, Berkeley, USA), sponsored by the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) Study group "Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research on Plants". His inspiring presentation provided valuable insights into photoprotection and strategies to enhance crop productivity, setting the stage for a stimulating and forward-looking meeting. The important and novel points raised by Prof. Niyogi inspired a fruitful discussion afterwards, which went on for days during meals and at the posters. Many conference participants of all career levels took the chance to interact one on one with Kris, who stayed for the entire meeting.

Another highlight was the prestigious Reinhold von Sengbusch Lecture, delivered by Prof. Dr. Andrea Bräutigam (Bielefeld University). In her talk, “Evolution of CAM Photosynthesis,” she presented fascinating insights into the developmental history and molecular mechanisms of crassulacean acid metabolism, which provides yet another approach to increase plant yields under future climate conditions.

The conference concluded with the Farewell Lecture by Prof. Dr. Christopher Grefen (Ruhr University Bochum), who presented recent advances in membrane protein insertion pathways into the plant endoplasmic reticulum.

Scientific Sessions

The scientific programme covered a broad spectrum of topics central to modern plant biology. Eight thematic sessions addressed Development, Cell Biology, Abiotic Interactions, Tools and Resources, Biotic Interactions, Evolution, Across Fields – called “Querbeet”, as well as Organelles. Together, these sessions highlighted cutting-edge research and reflected the dynamic progress within the molecular plant sciences.

In total, 190 people attended the conference, the programme featured 53 oral presentations and two poster sessions showcasing 82 posters, providing a comprehensive overview of current advances in the field. Notably, 60% of the talks were delivered by PhD students, underscoring the conference’s strong commitment to promoting early-career researchers. Contributions from postdoctoral scientists and junior group leaders further enriched the scientific discourse.

The two poster sessions offered ample opportunity for lively discussions, scientific exchange, and the initiation of new collaborations, fostering a vibrant and interactive atmosphere throughout the meeting.

Awards

A central highlight of MBP2026 was the presentation of several prestigious awards recognizing outstanding scientific achievements. These included the Reinhold-von-Sengbusch Awards for the 3 best talks and the 3 best posters for graduate students, The Plant Journal Talk Award for the best junior group leader oral presentation, and the Agrisera Award for the best talk by a PostDoc. 

The SciComm Award from the SPPMB for Science Communication was presented to Prof. Dr. Marco Trujillo (Hamburg). 

Sports and Social Activities

In keeping with MBP’s traditions, the conference combined scientific excellence with social engagement. Participants took advantage of the outstanding sports facilities at the Sportschule Hennef, enjoying activities such as football, badminton, and table tennis. A particular highlight was the traditional MBP Conference Cup, which fostered team spirit and informal exchange among attendees.

The conference dinner and subsequent party provided further opportunities for networking in a relaxed atmosphere, strengthening both existing collaborations and new connections within the community.

Conclusion

MBP2026 once again demonstrated its importance as a premier platform for molecular plant sciences. The meeting showcased cutting-edge research, promoted early-career scientists, and fostered interdisciplinary exchange in a vibrant and collaborative environment.

The organisers thank all speakers, participants, sponsors, and supporters, who contributed to the success of the conference. The MBP community looks forward to continuing this tradition of scientific excellence at future meetings. To ensure the success of MBP in the future, we are proud to announce that Prof. Dr. Sascha Laubinger from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg agreed to join the organizing team as an incoming chair. Next main organiser will be Prof. Dr. Andreas Bräutigam (Bielefeld).