SPONSORS

ORGANIsing Committee

• Vicent Arbona Mengual Universitat Jaume I
• Miguel González Guzmán Universitat Jaume I
• Paloma Sánchez Bel Universitat Jaume I
• Gemma Camañes Querol Universitat Jaume I
• Rosa Caridad Porcel Roldán Universitat Politècncia De València

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

• Mar Castellano. Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas
• Catharina Merchante. Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora"(CSIC)
• Jose Tomás Matus. Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (I²SysBio, UV-CSIC)
• Luis Valledor. Universidad de Oviedo
• Paz Merelo. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (UPV-CSIC)
• José Manuel Pérez Pérez. Universidad Miguel Hernández
• Rafael Catalá. Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB, CSIC)
• María Romero Puertas Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ, CSIC)
• Purificación Lisón. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (UPV-CSIC)
• Juan Antonio López Ráez. Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ, CSIC)
• Irene García. Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal (IBV, CSIC)
• Sonia Osorio. Universidad de Málaga
• Armando Albert. Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano (IQFR, CSIC)
• José Antonio Darós. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (UPV-CSIC)

COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract and poster format

• In the system for the abstract submission you have to include 5 fields:

1. Title 1000 characters
2. Authors 1000 characters
3. Body text 3000 characters
4. References 1000 characters
5. Acknowledgements/Funding 1000 characters

Abstracts must be written entirely in English.

A check box must appear on the form to indicate whether the author would be willing to give an oral presentation if his/her abstract is selected (Yes, checked; no, unchecked).
Each registered person will be allowed to submit ONE communication, either in poster format or, if selected, in oral presentation format.

Selected oral presentations will be 15 min + 5 min for questions, and will be entirely in English.
Posters will be in A0 format, 85 x 120 cm. All papers will be presented in poster format except those selected for oral presentation.

To submit the communication you have to click on the "registration" tab and access the web portal with your username and password. Once you have logged in, click on "Mis comunicaciones" and then on "Nueva comunicación". 

PROGRAMME

Wednesday 3 July 2024

MORNING SESSION

09:00 - 13:30 h. Registration of participants, accreditation, and delivery of documentation at the Congress venue.

09:30 - 10:30 h. Meeting of the Integration of Plant Metabolism group (FUE Conference Room) - face-to-face/online.

AFTERNOON SESSION

15:00 - 15:30 h.  Welcome

15:30 - 16:30 h. Plenary lecture 1.  Daniel J. Gibbs (University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)

16:30 - 18:00 h. Session 1. CELLULAR SIGNALING

Chairs: Mar Castellano (CBGP) & Catharina Merchante (IHSM)

18:00 - 19:00 h. Coffee break.

19:00 - 21:00 h. Session 2. SYSTEMS BIOLOGY
Chairs: José T. Matus (I2SysBio) & Luis Valledor (Univ. Oviedo)

21:00 - 22:00 h. Wine of honour.

Thursday 4 July 2024

MORNING SESSION

09:00 - 10:00 h. Plenary Conference 2. Antonio Molina (Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Madrid, Spain)

10:00 - 11:30 h. Session 3. DEVELOPMENT
Chairs: Paz Merelo (IBMCP) & José Manuel Pérez-Pérez (UMH)

11:30 - 12:30 h. Coffee break / Posters 

12:30 - 14:00 h. Session 4. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
Chairs: Rafael Catalá (CIB) & María Romero Puertas (EEZ)

14:00 - 15:00 h. Lunch

AFTERNOON SESSION

15:30 - 17:00 h. Session 5. PLANT BIOTIC INTERACTIONS
Chairs: Purificación Lisón (IBMCP) & Juan Antonio López-Ráez (EEZ)

17:00 - 17:30 h. Coffee break.

17:30 - 19:00 h. Session 6. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN PLANT RESEARCH
AND INNOVATION
Chairs: Gonzaga Ruiz de Gauna (Biovegen)

17:30 h. Welcome and session introduction

17:40 h. Section 1. Driving Companies demanding Biotechnology.

o SAKATA SEEDS; vegetable and root crop breeding. Agatha Agudelo. Especial Project Manager.

o ANECOOP: agrifood production and marketing. Victoria Ibáñez. Director of ANC-biotech biotechnology.

o GCM CITRUS BIOTEC: citrus breeding. Magda Cervera. Head of the laboratory.

18:25 h. Section 2. Funding of Research, Development & Innovation in public-private partnerships.

o IVACE+I: “Grants for plant biology innovation” Victoria Gómez Galdón. Head of the Innovation Unit (Agencia Valenciana d’Innovació).

o SWANLAAB: Investment fund in Agrobiotechnology. Nora Alonso, partner and director of investment in Agri-Food Tech Fund

18:55 h. Q&A

19:00 h. Conclusions and Session closure.

17:30 - 19:00 h. Sessions 6. INSPIRING GIRLS - GIRLS AND WOMEN IN MOLECULAR PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH (FUE Conference room)
Chairs: Irene García (IBV, CSIC) & Marta Pérez (Inspiring Girls)

21:00 - 00:30 h. Gala dinner

Friday 5 July 2024

MORNING SESSION

09:00 - 10:30 h. Session 8. METABOLISM
Chairs: Irene García (IBV) & Sonia Osorio (Univ. Málaga)

10:30 - 12:00 h. Session 9. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
Chairs: Armando Albert (IQFR) & José Antonio Darós (IBMCP)

12:00 - 12:30 h. Coffee break.

12:30 - 13:30 h. Plenary Conference 3. Raffaella M. Balestrini (CNR, Italy)

13:30 - 14:00 h. Farewell and Closing of the Congress

Plenary Speakers

Daniel J. Gibbs

School of Biosciences
University of Birmingham

Our group investigates how plants use protein degradation as a mechanism for regulating cellular processes and sensing their environment. We are especially interested in transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlling flooding stress and hypoxia signalling – in particular, how proteolytic control of chromatin modifying enzymes connects long term gene expression changes to stress perception.

We also have interests in protein acetylation and co-translational protein quality control. The general aim of our work is to increase our understanding of how plants develop and survive in dynamic environments, with the hope that our fundamental discoveries in Arabidopsis can be translated to agriculturally important crops to improve growth, productivity, and stress tolerance.

Antonio Molina

Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)

Our group focuses on the characterization of the molecular and genetic bases of plant resistance to necrotrophic fungi, using the interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and the ascomycete fungus Plectosphaerella cucumerina as a patosystem model. The main objective of our group is the understanding of how plants detect these types of pathogens and activate the immune response to confer improved resistance to diseases, which involves the activation of several defensive signaling pathways.

Moreover, we are interested in the molecular mechanisms of virulence and pathogenicity of P. cucumerina, using comparative and evolutionary genomics studies. Another line of research focuses on the mechanisms by which plants determine the endophytic fungal microbiota constitution in natural habitats and how it positively regulates plant physiology and plant well-being

Agatha Agudelo

SAKATA SEEDS; vegetable and root crop breeding. 

Especial Project Manager.

Agronomical engineer and summa cum laude Ph.D. in biotechnology from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, she has over 10 years of experience in managing research projects in public-private collaborations with Sakata Seed Iberica.

Victoria Ibáñez

ANECOOP: agrifood production and marketing.

Director of ANC-biotech biotechnology

She is an agronomical engineer with a Ph.D. in biotechnology and a diploma in Specialization in Research Management and Knowledge Transfer.

After obtaining here Ph.D., she worked as a Senior Research Technician at the Genomics Center of IVIA, focusing on citrus genome studies and developing genomic protocols for obtaining molecular markers and phylogenetic studies. In 2020, she joined ANECOOP (ANC-Biotech) as head of the biotechnology laboratory, where they develop and employ biotechnological tools applied to varietal improvement and provide services related to in vitro cultivation and varietal identification of citrus fruits.

Moreover, since 2016 she is involved in the Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and Business Management at EDEM (School of Entrepreneurs).

Magda Cervera

GCM CITRUS BIOTEC: citrus breeding.

Head of the laboratory.

She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Valencia, after completing her doctoral thesis at the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA).

Her professional career has always been linked to research and innovation projects in the areas of in vitro cultivation, genetics, and genetic modification of plants.

Currently, she leads the new R&D laboratory GCM Citrus Biotec at GCM Citrus SL, focused on developing citrus varieties through biotechnology. Company: GCM Citrus is a Valencian company, founded in 2006 in Castellón, dedicated to the research and development of new citrus varieties, as well as the acquisition and management of licenses for varieties worldwide.

At present, the company is pursuing two citrus variety genetic improvement programs: one based on classical genetic improvement techniques, which began in 2008, and a more recent one focused on biotechnological improvement, initiated in 2019.

Victoria Gómez Galdón

IVACE+I: “Grants for plant biology innovation”

Head of the Innovation Unit (Agencia Valenciana d’Innovació).

Ph.D. in Law from the University of Valencia, she holds, among other postgraduate titles, a Master's degree in Science Management from the UPV and the INGENIO CSIC Institute.

Her extensive professional trajectory is linked to education, innovation project management, and technical assistance in R&D&I initiatives, both public and private.

Since 2021, she has been the head of the innovation unit at the Valencian Agency of Innovation where, among other duties, she coordinates the innovation agents' network, a role initiated by AVI to connect the needs of the business sector with the research conducted by universities and research centers.

Nora Alonso

SWANLAAB: Investment fund in Agrobiotechnology.

partner, and director of investment in Agri-Food Tech Fund

Nora Alonso is a General Partner and member of the Investment Committee at Swanlaab Agri-food Tech Fund I. With over 17 years of experience in business management and development in the agri-food and biotechnology sectors, she's an experienced entrepreneur and growth-oriented executive.

After completing her Ph.D. in 2005, she co-founded a biotechnology company focused on developing biological products with bio-stimulant and bio-pesticidal activity.

As CEO and co-founder, she managed strategic implementation and financing across various growth stages, handled daily operations, and led multifunctional teams. Nora demonstrated remarkable leadership throughout her career, serving on the company's board for over 15 years, including 10 years as president.

She represented the company in various meetings, congresses, and even before the European Commission and academic institutions, sharing her entrepreneurial experience from a female perspective. Nora also represented the company in business associations like ASEBIO, BIOVEGEN, or the Agri-food Cluster of Navarra. Since joining DnA Advisory Services in 2020 as a strategic advisor for the biotechnology, food, and agriculture sectors, she has helped companies of all sizes and maturity levels, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, tackle their business challenges and implement successful strategies to maintain a competitive market position

Raffaella M. Balestrini

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

Biologist, PhD in Fungal Biology and Biotechnology. With CNR since 1998, Raffaella is currently Research Director at CNR-IPSP.

Her research has focused on studies aimed to highlight the cellular and molecular bases of mycorrhizal interactions, mainly focusing on cell wall changes, nutritional exchanges, and cell-specificity in mycorrhizal roots applying laser microdissection (LMD). Current research interests mainly address crop responses to environmental stresses and the role of root-associated microorganisms (e.g., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) in improving tolerance as well as the relevance of roots traits.

This is achieved by integrating cellular and molecular analyses, including transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate the molecular levels that mycorrhizal fungi pull within plant cells.

REGISTRATION FEES

Registration to the Congress includes:
- Access to the Congress sessions
- Lunches and Meals
- Congress documentation
*For the student and reduced registration options, you have to attach the corresponding certificate through the registration platform in the section my documents (Mis documentos).

* The PREMIUM fee includes the gala dinner 

La SEBP financia 15 becas para cubrir la inscripción* de estudiantes de doctorado al XVII Plant Molecular Biology Meeting (Castelló de la Plana, 3-5 julio 2024).

Requisitos:

Los/las solicitantes deben ser estudiantes de doctorado y socios adheridos u ordinarios de la SEBP.

Sus directores de tesis deben ser socios ordinarios de la SEBP.

Procedimiento de solicitud

• Completar el formulario de solicitud de beca.
• Obtener un documento acreditativo de ser estudiante de doctorado (copia de matrícula).

Enviar ambos documentos como adjuntos a sebp@cragenomica.es indicando “SOLICITUD BECA SEBP” en el asunto del correo.

Fecha límite: 11 de marzo de 2024

*La inscripción no incluye la cena del congreso.

AR(t)RBMP

Is a symbiosis between Art and Science possible? How can artistic freedom and scientific rigor be united? What could an artist do in a Plant Molecular Biology laboratory?

These are key questions for AR(t)RBMP 2024, a participatory Art and Science initiative within the XVII Plant Molecular Biology Meeting. We invite attendees to explore these questions by participating in one of two ways:

Category A: Create and Submit Your Artwork

• Unleash your creativity! We welcome any artwork that combines artistic and scientific elements, including photographs, drawings, data visualizations, texts, sound pieces, videos, or anything else you can imagine.
   
• All submissions must be digital files (jpg, png, pdf, mp3, wav, mp4, or avi) and will be displayed at the meeting.
   
• The Organizing Committee reserves the right to exclude offensive or illegal content.
   
• Submit your artwork(s) with your name (pseudonyms can be displayed at the exhibition), research affiliation, art piece title, and a brief (150-word) explanation (optional) to art.rbmp@ibmcp.upv.es.
   

Category B: Propose Collaboration Projects

• Do you envision an artistic project within your Plant Molecular Biology lab? Propose your ideas here!
   
• Projects should relate to research conducted in your Plant Molecular Biology lab.
   
• Submit a proposal with the project title, a description of your lab's research, the type of artist collaboration you envision, and supporting images (optional) to art.rbmp@ibmcp.upv.es.
   
• All proposals will be included in a digital book of abstracts.
   

Why Collaborate?

There is a growing global interest in fostering dialogue between Art and Science. Collaboration initiatives, like AR(t)RBMP, bring artists and researchers together to explore new ways of seeing and representing reality. This can lead to innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Artist-in-Residence Programs

One successful collaboration model is the "artist-in-residence." Artists work alongside scientists in research centers, learning about their work and creating art inspired by the experience. This artwork is then exhibited and published, increasing public awareness and engagement with science.

Explore Existing Collaborations

For inspiration, visit the following Art and Science projects:

CERN (https://arts.cern),

Fermilab (https://events.fnal.gov/art-gallery/artist-in-residence),

CNIO (https://www.cnio.es/en/cnio-and-society/cnio-arte/),

IRB Barcelona (https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/outreach/public-engagement/art-and-science/artist-residence-programme), and

IBMCP (https://valenciaplaza.com/arte-e-inteligencia-artificial-contra-el-cambio-climatico).

For in-depth exploration, download this ArtSciencePapers.zip file, which details past collaborations and resulting artworks.

Voting and Awards

An online voting system will be available during the meeting for all submissions in each of the two categories. The submissions receiving the most votes in each category will receive a prize diploma. Additionally, projects in Category B will be considered for hosting an artist residency in the corresponding laboratory.

Complementary Activities

IBMCP researchers will present a talk discussing their experiences with the AR(t)IBMCP biennial artistic residency program (https://art.ibmcp.upv.es) and other Art and Science projects at IBMCP, including "Sonification of Genetic Sequences" and the "Plant Ultrasound Atlas Project" (in collaboration with VRAIN (https://vrain.upv.es) and Colectivo Estampa (https://tallerestampa.com)).

Organizer

AR(t)RBMP is organized by the IBMCP with the support of the Organizing Committee of the XVII Plant Molecular Biology Meeting.

Registration

Key dates

• Early registration: 07/01/2024 - 15/03/2024
• General registration: 16/03/2024 - 15/06/2024
• Envío de Abstracts: 17/01/2024 - 15/5/2024

SITE

The Congress will be held from 3, 4 and 5  to July, 2024 at the Universitat Jaume I, Campus Riu Sec, s/n 12071 Castellón de la Plana Spain. 
 

ACCOMMODATION 

HOTEL LUZ 4*

Modern and functional hotel in the heart of Castellón. Just a few minutes from the city centre, with excellent transport links from Valencia and Barcelona, you will find the Hotel Luz Castellón, a modern and elegant 4-star hotel, designed to offer a perfect stay in the city. Located in the new commercial area of Castellón, between the Corte Inglés, the RENFE train station and the Jaime I University.

The Hotel has 144 spacious rooms.

We would also like to highlight the gymnasium with sauna to be able to disconnect from the working day, and a great gastronomic bet: the Aqua Restaurant, awarded with One Sun by the Respol Guide, where you can enjoy the cultural tradition of the region and the Mediterranean soul of the avant-garde cuisine.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 201 010 - Fax: +34 964 201011

Email: reservas@hotelluz.com - http://www.hotelluz.com 

TRYP CASTELLÓN CENTER 4*

Located in the centre of Castellón and only ten minutes by car from the beach, TRYP Castellón Center is the best option to stay and get to know Castellón, thanks to its privileged location, its complete and comfortable facilities and the quality of its services.

In addition, TRYP Castellón Center has 78 modern and fully equipped rooms; high speed Internet access (WiFi); gastronomic space (Breakfast Buffet/ Restaurant/ Lobby Bar); gym with sauna, for the exclusive use of our clients; spacious and bright hall with different spaces and 9 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity for 1500 people.

Contact information:

Tel: +34964342777 - Fax: +34 964 254929

Email: reservas@civishoteles.com - https://www.melia.com

HOTEL INTUR CASTELLÓN 4*

Hotel Intur Castellón is located right in the centre of Castellón, 200 metres from Puerta del Sol, in the financial, commercial and cultural area of the city. Its privileged location makes it a strategic place both for those who wish to go sightseeing and for those who are in the city on business.

This 4-star hotel is characterised by its spaciousness and luminosity, thanks to the large glass dome that forms its roof. The Hotel has 120 perfectly equipped rooms, as well as 3 lounges and a very luminous covered patio, ideal for holding business meetings, conferences, weddings and other events.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 394 497 - Fax: +34 964 395 896

Email: reservas@intur.com - http://www.intur.com 

HOTEL JAIME I CASTELLÓN 3*

The Hotel Jaime I is a modern and comfortable hotel in Castellón located 5 minutes' walk from the centre of the town. The establishment is well connected by road and is 60 km from Manises Airport. It has 89 rooms and its facilities are covered with free WiFi Internet connection.

At the Hotel Jaime I you will find 89 rooms equipped with everything you need to enjoy maximum comfort and convenience. The floors are parquet and the lighting is LED. In each room you will find free WiFi Internet and a flat-screen television. The bathroom is complete with hairdryer and other amenities.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 2250 300 - Fax: +34 964 203 779

Email: info@hoteljaimei.com 

HOTEL DOÑA LOLA

The Hotel Doña Lola was completely refurbished in 2008. It is located next to Ribalta Park, the green lung of the city, opposite the EL CORTE INGLES shopping centre, just 300 metres from the Castellón train and bus station and less than 1200m from the UJI, UNIVERSIDAD JAUME I DE CASTELLON. This excellent location makes it easy to get to all the city's points of interest, museums, shops, bars, cafés, the old town and monuments. Perfectly communicated with the public transport network of Castellón.

At the Hotel Doña Lola we offer you a restaurant overlooking the largest park in the city. Where you can taste the best of Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has special menus for events, varied menus with a Mediterranean base and a wide range of daily menus to make you feel at home.

The Hotel Doña Lola has 5 paneled rooms, fully equipped with the necessary services to celebrate your business meetings or banquets, with a capacity of up to 275 people.

The hotel also has cosy flats for long stays.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 214 011 - Fax: +34 964 252 235

Email: info@hoteldonalola.com - http://www.hoteldonalola.com/

HOTEL NH CASTELLÓN MINDORO

The NH Castellón Mindoro hotel was the first hotel to open in Castellón and is still one of the best, thanks to its recent renovation in 2015. It is just a 2-minute walk from the city's most popular attractions, such as the El Fadrí tower, the town hall and the cathedral. There are also numerous tapas bars and shops in the immediate vicinity. The beach is just a short bus ride away.

Modern, centrally located hotel close to Castellón's best tourist attractions.
Shops and restaurants within walking distance
Next to the bus stop leading to the beach.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 916 008 146 - Fax: +34 964 222 300

Email: nhmindoro@nh-hotels.com - https://nh-hoteles.es

EUROHOTEL CASTELLÓ ESTACIÓ 4*

Located right next to Castellón Train and Bus Station, Eurohotel Castellón offers a gym, sauna, 24-hour reception and bright rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is 400 metres from Ribalta Park.

The spacious, soundproofed rooms are decorated in light colours. They all have air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar with free bottled water, opaque windows and a modern bathroom with hairdryer.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 34 25 59  

Email: reservas@eurohotelcastello.com - https://eurohotelcastello.com/

HOW TO GET TO CASTELLÓN

HOW TO GET TO CASTELLÓN

The closest international airports to Castellón are València-Manises and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. You can also arrive from Madrid-Barajas.

Recommended routes.

From Valencia-Manises Airport:

Aeroport metro stop to Xàtiva stop. This metro stop is located 2 minutes from Estació del Nord.

From Estació del Nord train station direction Castellón.

From Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport:

Aeroport train stop to Estació Barcelona Sants. 

From Estació Barcelona Sants train direction Castellón.

From Madrid-Barajas Airport

Airport train stop to Puerta de Atocha Station.

From Estación Puerta de Atocha AVE Castellón Station

To travel from the hotels to the UJI it is recommended to use the Tram.
The timetables can be consulted at: https://www.tramcastellon.com/wp-content/uploads/UJI-GRAO.pdf

RENFE discount

Attendees can obtain a 5% discount on their train tickets. The discount authorisation can be downloaded, once registration has been completed, in the Documentation section.

The steps to follow in order to formalise the discount on the purchase of tickets through www.renfe.com are as follows:

1.- Select the train of your choice by clicking on any of the available options (Basic, Choose, Choose Comfort and Premium).

2.- Select the Congress/Events fare from the drop-down menu.

3.- Enter the authorisation number in the box indicating authorisation number (not valid for discount code box).