Member's Activities
Camilla T. Krog
(Univ. Copenhagen): Travelling grant
I attended the 13th SPPS PhD Student Conference at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø from 26–29 August 2025. The conference, organized by PhD students for PhD students, focused on research involving photosynthetic organisms, covering macro- and micro-algae, plants, and environmental ecology. I presented a 10-minute talk on my plant research, which sparked engaging discussions and offered detailed feedback on my project from fellow attendees. The comments I received helped me critically assess my methodology, identify potential improvements, and consider new angles for future experiments. This experience also provided an opportunity to explore potential collaborations with peers working in related areas, opening doors for future joint projects. The conference sessions exposed me to a wide range of innovative approaches, techniques, and interdisciplinary perspectives that are directly relevant to my research. Beyond the formal presentations, the program included excursions, interactive workshops, and networking events, allowing me to connect with other PhD students, share experiences, and gain practical tips for research challenges. The combination of scientific exchange, social interaction, and the inspiring setting of Tromsø created a supportive and stimulating environment that encouraged discussion, learning, and idea generation. Overall, attending this conference strengthened my communication skills, expanded my professional network, and offered practical insights and motivation that I can directly apply to the next stages of my PhD research.
Radin D. Rezaeiyeh
(Turku Univ.): Travelling grant
I attended an international conference in Denmark, where I presented a poster related to my PhD research. The event gathered researchers and students from different countries to share new findings and discuss current developments in the field. Presenting my work gave me the opportunity to explain my research goals, receive comments, and answer questions from people with experience in similar topics. This helped me clarify parts of my project and think of new directions for future experiments.
In addition to presenting, I participated in several talks and discussions, which introduced me to new methods, tools, and ideas that I can apply during my PhD. The conference also provided a valuable chance to meet other researchers at different career stages. Many of these conversations were inspiring and helped me better understand how to develop my work and build a professional network for future collaborations.
Overall, attending this conference was an important contribution to my PhD progress. It improved my ability to communicate my research, gave me access to feedback and new perspectives, and connected me with a wider research community. This experience has strengthened both my scientific development and my confidence in continuing my doctoral studies.
Denisa Avdouli
(Örebro Univ.): Travelling grant
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the 13th Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society (SPPS) PhD Conference, held in Tromsø, Norway. This unique event brought together PhD students and early-career researchers from across Scandinavia in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, offering an excellent space for sharing knowledge, discussing new ideas, and forming connections with like-minded individuals.
Before the conference officially began, we had the chance to visit the Arctic Botanical Garden in Tromsø, which was a wonderful experience. Seeing such a diverse collection of plants adapted to Arctic/Alpine conditions set an inspiring tone for the days ahead and reminded me of the remarkable adaptability of plants.
During the conference, I presented my research in a poster session titled “Effects of UVB Radiation and Visible Light on Salinity Responses in Four Arabidopsis thaliana Accessions.” Presenting in this format was a great opportunity to dive deeper into my work with others in the field. The discussions that followed were particularly rewarding. I received constructive feedback, exchanged perspectives, and was able to explore connections between my own project and the research of others. These conversations have already shaped how I think about the next steps in my PhD. Equally enriching were the presentations from other PhD students. Their posters and talks covered a wide range of topics and approaches, which made the sessions both stimulating and insightful. It was exciting to see the diversity of work being carried out across Scandinavia and to find common threads between my research and theirs.=
The keynote lectures offered fresh insights that broadened my perspective on plant sciences; from fundamental biology to applied research. They sparked new questions and ideas for my own work. The workshop complemented this by providing practical skills and professional development alongside the scientific program. Equally valuable were the informal networking opportunities. The conference dinner created a relaxed setting to connect with other participants beyond research topics, helping build a welcoming atmosphere and the foundations of a professional network.
Overall, attending this conference was an extremely valuable experience for me as a researcher. It gave me the chance to present and refine my own work, learn from the exciting projects of others, and most importantly, engage with a vibrant community of peers who share similar interests and challenges. I am deeply thankful for the travel grant that made my participation possible. It enabled me not only to share my research but also to connect with inspiring colleagues, broaden my scientific perspective, and feel a stronger sense of belonging within the Scandinavian plant science community.
Georgia Vergou
(Umeå Univ): travelling grant
On October 20–23, 2025, I attended the Nordic Photosynthesis Congress and Nordic Algae Symposium, in Helsingør Denmark. This interdisciplinary conference consisted of talks and posters in both algal research and photosynthesis. Researchers from the Nordic region and across the globe presented a wide range of topics in basic and applied research on photosynthetic organisms. By participating in NPC-NAS I did not only gain deep knowledge on my research area by specialists but also, I broadened my general knowledge in plant science. NPC-NAS gave me the chance to meet with other researchers, exchange ideas and get motivated and inspired for my future research. I also contributed in this conference by presenting my latest results in microalgal cell death in one of the Nordic Algae Symposium sessions. As a PhD student, this was an excellent opportunity to communicate my research in an international context and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in my field. Presenting my research work resulted in fruitful discussions and new ideas as well as the best young speaker prize from Agrisera. With the support of the SPPS travel grant, I had the opportunity to be part of the NPC-NAS conference and grow academically and professionally.
RBB2025: Conference Support grant
The 21st International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries (RRB2025) was held from 2–4 June 2025 in Turku, Finland. Jointly organized by the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University, and the RRB Scientific Committee, the event brought together around 250 participants from over 25 countries, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers committed to a sustainable future.
SPPS proudly supported the conference with a 50,000 SEK contribution, helping to cover organizational costs. In recognition, SPPS was featured in the official RRB newsletter (11-25 April 2025, see: RRB Breaking News) as a key supporter, highlighting its mission to promote experimental plant biology and offering discounted registration for SPPS members.
RRB2025 featured a dynamic program with two keynote lectures on bioenergy challenges and opportunities in the EU, and future biorefinery strategies. The conference included 86 talks covering biobased chemicals, biodegradable materials, biocatalysis, novel fermentation, marine and algal biorefineries, carbon capture, bioenergy, wood chemistry, lignocellulosic pretreatment, catalysis for renewables, bioprocess development, circular economy, synthetic biology, polysaccharides, and food residue valorisation. Poster sessions showcased innovative research by early-career scientists.
A major highlight was the Biobased Market, where companies, start-ups, and projects showcased bioeconomy applications. Another unique feature was the Golden Crop Award, a scientific photo contest blending art and science. With engaging social events and strong interdisciplinary focus, RRB2025 fostered collaboration across the global bioeconomy community.
EMA 2024: Conference Support grant
EMA2024, International Symposium on Photosynthesis Research, was arranged in honor of Professor Eva-Mari Aro in 8-11 September 2024 in Turku, Finland. The symposium was arranged by University of Turku, Molecular Plant Biology Unit, and SPPS kindly provided 5000 € support to cover part of the organizing costs.
The event was open to both Nordic and international participants and it attracted 156 scientists from 18 different countries.
During the three-and-half days there were 9 keynote talks and 31 invited lectures in eight different sessions (PSII and PSI – structure, photoinhibition and redox regulation; Light harvesting or photoprotection – when and how?; Thylakoid biogenesis and repair – from cellular machinery to thylakoid protein complexes; Retrograde signaling in photosynthetic processes; Regulation of photosynthesis in response to environmental cues – from cyanobacteria to plants; Systems biology in photosynthesis research – interactions between light reactions, carbon and nitrogen metabolism;
Evolutionary insights into photosynthesis; Improvement of photosynthesis – towards sustainable agriculture and living cell factories).
During the opening ceremony portrait of Eva-Mari Aro was unveiled and donated to the University of Turku’s collection. The portrait was received by Marjo Kaartinen, the Rector of University of Turku. https://www.utu.fi/en/news/news/the-portrait-of-academician-eva-mari-aro-was-unveiled-at-the-international-symposium-in
The congress dinner was arranged in Turku Caste and a wrap-up event was arranged in Herrankukkaro with Finnish sauna experience. EMA2024 was a success and offered possibilities for the younger generation scientists to get connected and widen their networks, as well as giving a possibility for the long-time friends to meet again.
