IMPPC2023 is Over!

The 2nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress (IMPPC2023), chaired by by the Molen PI, Dr. Umut Toprak, has been successfully completed! The congress was held at the Hektaş Agricultural Innovation, Training and Experience Center, referred to Hektaş F.A.R.M. located in Orhangazi-Bursa, between May 15-18, 2023 under the coordination of Ankara University, Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Hektaş Ticaret Türk A.Ş.  The congress hosted around 650 participants, 42 private companies in the field of agricultural and life sciences. 81 keynote speakers, top notch experts of the molecular entomology, plant pathology and weed science delivered keynote talks on the latest developments of molecular plant protection.  The opening lecture was given by Dr. Craig Mello, 2006 Nobel Laurate in Physiology or Medicine, who discovered RNA interference (RNAi). In the opening ceremony, Umut welcomed participants on behalf of the organization committee, followed by the welcoming talks by Mr. Zafer Terzioğlu (General Manager of Hektaş), Mr. Levent Ortakçıer (The President of OYAK Food, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Group), Professor Pervin Kınay Teksür (President of Turkish Phytopathological Society),  Emin Özer (President of Agricultural Pesticides Manufacturers Association-ZİMİD), Dr. Metin Türker (Director of General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), Associate Professor Yunus Bayram (Deputy General Manager of General Directorate of Food and Control, Department of Plant Health and Plant Protection), and Professor Necdet Ünüvar (President of Ankara University). The opening cocktail was followed by the opening of Hektaş Agriculture and Science Museum with the exhibition on  the wax statues of 21 famous scientists of the agricultural and life sciences including those of Craig Mello and Andrew Fire! 167 oral and 53 poster presentations were delivered throughut the congress. The congress was closed with the post-conference İstanbul Tour and a boat ride in the bosphorus. Overall the congress was a great success and thanks for all who attended the congress!