Platforming early-career researchers since 2018
Our goals
The primary aim of YRSPP is to provide an accessible platform for early-career researchers (ECRs) in plant photobiology to share their cutting-edge research, develop international collaborative networks, and gain insight into academic careers in the field. ECRs will have the opportunity to deliver talks and present posters on their work, showcasing their findings and receiving constructive feedback from peers and more senior researchers. Social events are also a core part of YRSPP, as these help to spark the conversations that lead to significant scientific collaborations and lifelong friendships. YRSPP's central focus on ECR participation underscores our commitment to nurturing the careers of the next generation of plant photobiologists.
Our speakers
As well as a host of presentations by our ECRs, YRSPP 2026 will feature keynote presentations by four newly appointed assistant professors and two established photobiologists.
These speakers will provide insight into a range of successful academic trajectories, providing career inspiration and helping our attendees build valuable research connections throughout the event.
Societal and scientific impact
Plant photobiology is of international importance as it intersects with critical global challenges like climate change, food security, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. Understanding how plants respond to light – and how these responses affect their growth, development, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions – will underpin crucial innovations in crop productivity, ecosystem resilience and new biotechnology.
The knowledge exchange and networking opportunities at YRSPP work to introduce ECRs to the international research community, helping them develop the foundational research connections that drive innovation, groundbreaking discoveries, and sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges. By engaging senior researchers and assistant professors, YRSPP demonstrates its commitment to mentorship and knowledge transfer, equipping early-career investigators with the connections and skills to make a lasting impact on plant photobiology research on a global scale.
YRSPP's history (and future!)
The Young Researchers' Symposium on Plant Photobiology originated in 2018 in a conference centre elevator in Matsue, Japan, where frustrated PhD students discussed the limited involvement of young scientists in the significant International Symposium on Plant Photobiology (ISPP). They decided to take action, and laid the foundation for a highly successful ongoing symposium.
Cologne, Germany
October 2018
The inaugural symposium: The first YRSPP was organised later the same year, attracting more than 50 early-career researchers (who presented 26 talks and 49 posters) and highlighting the strong demand for such an event.
Online, global
March 2022
Replicating success online: The second YRSPP adapted wonderfully to an online environment (read about it here), hosting 21 talks and 43 posters and connecting researchers in an online format.
Utrecht, Netherlands
July 2024
Building momentum: Back in person, YRSPP again provided a friendly, engaging platform for ECRs to discuss their research with peers, and cemented YRSPP as a key event in the young photobiologist's calendar.
Edinburgh, Scotland
April 2026
Looking ahead: Next year, YRSPP will take place in the United Kingdom for the first time, where an international team of student organisers look forward to welcoming the next cohort of ECRs to Edinburgh!
Could you help out with the next YRSPP?
If you have any suggestions for the 2028 symposium (such as keynote speakers or a great location) or would like to find out more about helping organise the event, please reach out to us and we will be happy to answer all your questions.
Some of the tasks available include selecting keynote speakers, choosing a suitable venue, advertising for sponsors, managing the YRSPP website and social media, and scheduling and running the event itself - get in touch if you could help with any of these!
By joining the team, you'll develop great project/event management and communication skills (perfect for the CV) and get to form strong networks with both academic and industrial partners, while helping organise this fantastic event.
Organising committee for YRSPP 2026
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of Köln
University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh