Early Career Researcher day

The conference At the forefront of plant research (4th edition) is preceded by a dedicated Early Career Researcher (ECR) Day, designed to support PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at a key stage of their scientific careers. This focused pre‑conference event offers a dedicated platform to connect with peers, present your work, and gain insights into academic research careers in the inspiring setting of the VIB‑UGent Center of Plant Systems Biology.

Be advised that tickets for this event can only be purchased in combination with a ticket for At the forefront of plant research (4th edition).

What’s in it for you?

The ECR Day is built around the needs and ambitions of early career researchers. By joining, you will have the opportunity to:

• Present your research through short, peer-focused talks
• Increase your visibility within the scientific community and towards PIs
• Learn from real career journeys, including both PI and postdoc perspectives
• Engage directly with PIs in an informal “Meet the PI” lunch setting
• Experience the research environment through a guided tour of the labs and facilities
• Grow your network in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere

👉 The full program is available on the main conference webpage.

Presenting at the ECR Day

Early career researchers are invited to actively contribute to the program through short oral presentations. When submitting an abstract for the conference, participants can also indicate to be considered for a short oral presentation during the ECR day. Selected talks are chosen from the submitted abstracts and give participants the chance to:

• Share their work in a supportive ECR-focused setting
• Receive feedback
• Gain experience presenting to an engaged scientific audience

👉 Abstract submission information is available on the main conference webpage.

Meet the PIs

Participants will have the opportunity to meet PIs from PSB who are actively engaged in mentoring and supervising early career researchers. These PIs will join the Meet the PI @ lunch session, providing a low-threshold setting to ask questions, exchange ideas and learn more about different research groups. Participants will be able to book a one-on-one meeting with the PIs of their choice, allowing for more focused discussions tailored to their interests and questions.

Practical information

The ECR day will take place at the VIB-UGent Center of Plant Systems Biology which is housed within the VIB-UGent FSVM I building. The FSVM I building is located at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park Campus Ardoyen and is easily accessible by bicycle, car and public transport. To plan your route, click here.

FSVM1
Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71
9052 Ghent
Belgium

👉 Other practical details are centrally available on the main conference webpage.