We are pleased to invite you to the 4th INTEGRATED PLANT AND ALGAL PHENOMICS MEETING (IPAP),which will take place in Brno, Czech Republic from June 25 to 28 2026.
After a long break, the Integrated Plant and Algal Phenomics Meeting returns with IPAP 2026. The conference will be held in Brno and will bring together researchers, innovators, and industry partners from around the world to discuss current developments and future directions in plant and algal phenotyping.
This year’s program will highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in managing and interpreting the vast data streams generated by advanced hardware technologies. It will also explore the latest directions in algal phenomics, advances in climate-controlled environments for sustainable production, and progress in field and root phenotyping. Special attention will be given to plant adaptation under biotic and abiotic stress, offering a truly integrative view across scales and approaches.
Beyond these themes, IPAP 2026 remains open to new directions. We welcome partners and contributors to help shape the program and broaden the discussion toward emerging ideas in plant and algal phenotyping.
Why attend?
IPAP 2026 offers a unique platform to engage with leading experts, discover the newest technologies, and exchange knowledge across academia and industry. The program will combine keynote lectures, focused thematic sessions, workshops, and poster presentations, creating space for both in-depth discussion and informal exchange.
We are especially pleased to have the early support and confirmed participation of Prof. Thomas Altmann (Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Germany), Prof. James Whelan (Zhejiang University, China), Prof. Mat Lewsey (La Trobe University, Australia), Prof. Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne (University of Turku, Finland), Prof. Gerald Tuskan (Center for Bioenergy Innovation, USA), Prof. Sónia Negrão (University College Dublin, Ireland).
The meeting is organized by Photon Systems Instruments (PSI) in close partnership with the International Plant Phenotyping Network (IPPN) and Scientific Instruments Australia (SIA).
All academic and industry researchers who wish to learn more about the latest techniques
and approaches for high throughput phenotyping are encouraged to attend.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
TOPICS COVERED IN THE MEETING WILL INCLUDE:
- Advances in sensor technologies for plant and algae phenotyping
- Artificial intelligence and computer vision in phenotyping
- Phenotyping technologies for sustainable agriculture
- Phenomics in dynamic and controlled environments
- Novel approaches in phenotyping for climate resilient crops
- Robotics and algae phenotyping
IPAP participants will have option to visit PSI Research Center, the state-of-the-art plant and algae phenotyping research and development center located next to the PSI main production side. IPAP offers option to attend focused workshops (topics to be announced soon).
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Preliminary early-bird registration via email: from October 2025
- Start of online registration: as of January 2026
- 31th March 2026: Early bird registration closes
- 15th May 2026: Deadline for submission of abstract
- 25th - 28th June 2026: Conference dates
Video about Brno Region
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Head OT Gatersleben, IPK Gatersleben, Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung, Germany
Prof. Thomas Altmann is a globally recognised leader in plant genetics and functional genomics and serves as Head of OT Gatersleben at IPK Gatersleben. His pioneering research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of gene function, natural variation, and trait architecture in crop plants. Prof. Altmann has played a decisive role in linking molecular genetics with large-scale phenotyping and translational breeding, strengthening Europe’s crop research infrastructure. A long-standing scientific advisor at national and EU levels, he is widely respected for shaping strategic directions in plant science, innovation policy, and sustainable agriculture.
College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, China
Prof. Jim Whelan is an internationally acclaimed plant molecular biologist at the College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University and a leading authority on mitochondrial biology, stress signalling, and gene regulation in plants. His work has revealed how plants integrate metabolic and environmental signals to optimise growth and resilience. With an exceptional publication record and decades of research leadership across Australia, Europe, and Asia, Prof. Whelan has profoundly influenced modern plant systems biology. He is also a highly regarded mentor, shaping the next generation of interdisciplinary plant scientists worldwide.
La Trobe Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, Australia
Prof. Mathew Lewsey is a leading plant systems biologist at the La Trobe Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and Food. His research integrates genetics, genomics, imaging, and computational biology to understand how plants respond to complex environments. Prof. Lewsey is particularly known for bridging fundamental discovery with real-world agricultural impact, advancing crop resilience and productivity under climate stress. A dynamic scientific leader, he actively collaborates across disciplines and sectors, driving innovation at the interface of plant science, data analytics, and sustainable food systems.
Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Finland
Prof. Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne is a world-leading expert in photosynthesis research at the University of Turku. Her groundbreaking work explores the regulation of photosynthetic electron transport, photoprotection, and energy conversion in plants and algae. By combining advanced biophysics, molecular biology, and systems-level approaches, she has delivered transformative insights into how photosynthesis adapts to fluctuating environments. Prof. Allahverdiyeva-Rinne is internationally recognised for pushing the boundaries of fundamental plant science with direct relevance to sustainable energy and climate-resilient agriculture.
Director and Chief Executive Officer, Center for Bioenergy Innovation, and ORNL Corporate Fellow, USA
Prof. Gerald Tuskan is Director and CEO of the Center for Bioenergy Innovation and an ORNL Corporate Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A visionary leader in genomics, systems biology, and bioenergy research, he has transformed how complex plant and microbial systems are studied at scale. Prof. Tuskan has led landmark international initiatives in genome sequencing, carbon cycling, and sustainable bio-based solutions. His work continues to shape global strategies for energy security, climate mitigation, and biological innovation.
School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
Prof. Sonia Negrão is an internationally recognised plant geneticist at University College Dublin, specialising in natural variation, local adaptation, and stress resilience in crop plants. Her research integrates population genomics, quantitative genetics, and phenotyping to understand how plants adapt to challenging environments, particularly salinity and climate-related stresses. Prof. Negrão’s work bridges evolutionary biology with applied crop improvement, contributing critical insights for developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. She is widely respected for advancing genotype–environment interaction research and for her leadership in modern plant evolutionary genetics.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
- June 25th: Registration (late afternoon) and welcome reception.
- June 26th-27th: Presentations, posters and round-table discussions.
- June 27th: Evening grill party in the hotel garden.
- June 28th: Workshop at PSI Phenomics Research Centre.
IPAP participants will have option to visit PSI Research Center, the state-of-the-art plant and algae phenotyping research and development center located next to the PSI main production side. IPAP offers option to attend focused workshops (topics to be announced soon).
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
- Prof. Thomas Altmann; IPK Gatersleben, Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung, Germany
- Prof. James Whelan; College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, China
- Prof. Mathew Lewsey; La Trobe Institute of Sustainable Agriculture and Food, La Trobe University, Australia
- Prof. Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Finland
- Prof. Gerald Tuskan; Center for Bioenergy Innovation, USA
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
- Martin Trtilek; Photon Systems Instruments, Czech Republic
- Dr. Eddie Custovic; Scientific Instruments Australia, Australia
- Haris Arnautovic; Scientific Instruments Australia, Australia
- Denisa Vyhlídalová; Photon Systems Instruments, Czech Republic
- Klara Lengalova ; Photon Systems Instruments, Czech Republic
- Pavlína Uhrova ; Photon Systems Instruments, Czech Republic
Online Registration
Sign In to the Payment Portal and details of realized registration
Please review the general information before starting your registration. The online registration will close on 12th June.
The early bird registration fee is available until March 31st.
The registration fee includes:
- access to all presentations
- conference programme and abstract book
- coffee breaks, lunches, and dinners on all conference days
- welcome party
- evening barbecue in the hotel’s garden
Important payment information
Payment is not processed immediately after registration.
After submitting your registration, you will receive either a payment link (credit card) or an invoice (bank transfer) by email.
Your registration will be considered complete only after the payment is received.
A confirmation email will then be sent to you. Please print this confirmation and bring it with you to the conference to speed up badge collection.
Prices are shown including VAT.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
All IPAP 2026 attendees and exhibitors with paid registration are invited to submit abstracts. Please note that only registered participants can upload the abstract via this page.
The same conditions apply to both oral and poster presentations. Please note that after the 14th June 2026 no editing of submitted abstracts will be undertaken and abstracts will be published in the abstract book as submitted. Following the abstract submission deadline 15th May 2026 the Scientific Committee will review the abstracts and put together a program for the session. Authors will receive a notification of acceptance. Abstracts submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Format
Download the template >> Abstract template
Abstracts must conform to the following structure:
- All abstracts must be prepared in English
- Abstracts MAY NOT advertise a commercial product
- Abstract MAY contain a list of references or acknowledgements
- Title: no more than 20 words, Times New Roman 14 pt Bold.
- Co - Authors: you may enter a complete list of co-authors. Affiliations should be included.
- Email address of the presenting author
- Abstract should be entered here in the standard font Times New Roman, 12pt.
- The Abstract should neither be referenced nor contain tables, figures or uncommon abbreviations.
- The overall length of the Abstract is limited to one A4 page with 3 cm top and bottom margins and 2.5 cm left and right margins.
Submission
- Abstracts should be submitted using the online submission system
- The abstract submission deadline is the 15th May 2026
- By submitting an abstract you agree to your email address being published below the abstract in the program and abstract book
- Please note that you need to be a registered participant to submit an abstract.
- Within a month from that deadline date the corresponding author will be informed about whether the contribution will be a talk or a poster.
After the registration is finished you can send your abstract via online submission system. Please name a pdf file "IPAP 2026 Abstract_Last name". Being registered does not automatically imply acceptance of a talk. For all enquiries regarding abstracts and speakers, please contact the IPAP 2026 secretariat at ipap2026@psi.cz.
SPONSORSHIPS & EXHIBITION
We would like to invite partners and sponsors to participate in 4th IPAP 2026 Meeting. You will have a chance to introduce your company and your products to roughly 150 scientists around the world that are expected to attend the IPAP 2026 meeting. One standard level of sponsorship is available.
The sponsorship fee includes:
- 2 complimentary meeting registrations
- Mention of sponsor during conference opening and on main slide
- Exhibit space with 1 table, 2 chairs and electric outlet
- Website linked company logo on IPAP website
- Single company brochure inside each conference bag for delegates
- Company logo and company information on one A4 page in abstract book.
Registration fee for Exhibitors: 3 900 EUR *
*Does not include: accommodation during the meeting
We also welcome your ideas for other promotional activities such as program inserts, give-away, modified booth designs etc. Please contact us with your suggestions.
In case of any requirements or questions please contact us: ipap2026@psi.cz
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dates: June 25th - 28th 2026
Official language
English
Meeting location
Hotel Atlantis
https://www.hotel-atlantis.cz/en
Venue
Hotel Atlantis, Brána 177 664 34 Rozdrojovice, Czech Republic.
Parking
Free parking is available for accommodated and participants of the conference.
Internet access
WiFi internet access is available at the conference venue for free.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
From Václav Havel Airport in Prague or Vienna International Airport (Schwechat), Brno can be reached by bus or train. One of the most commonly used long-distance operators is RegioJet, recognizable by its yellow buses and trains.
We strongly recommend purchasing bus or train tickets in advance:
https://www.regiojet.com/
Travel from Václav Havel Airport Prague to Brno:
By bus (direct – recommended):
RegioJet operates direct buses from Prague Airport to Brno. Bus stops are located at Terminal 1 (Terminal 2 is accessible by a short walk). Tickets should be purchased online in advance. Buses run several times per day. Approximate one-way ticket price is 15–20 EUR.
Arrival stop in Brno: “Brno, bus station Grand“
By train:
Take the Airport Express (AE) bus from Prague Airport (Terminal 1 or 2) to Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Railway Station). Airport Express buses run every 30 minutes. From Prague Main Station, take a direct train to Brno.
Final destination: “Brno hlavní nádraží”
Travel from Vienna Airport (Schwechat) to Brno:
By bus:
Buses operated by RegioJet and other carriers depart directly from the bus station in front of the Arrivals Hall. Services run several times per day. Approximate one-way ticket price is 10–20 EUR. Advance booking is recommended.
Arrival stop in Brno: “Brno, bus station Grand“
By train:
Travel first from Vienna Airport to Wien Hauptbahnhof using Railjet or S-Bahn services. From Wien Hauptbahnhof, take a direct train to Brno.
Final destination: “Brno hlavní nádraží”
Tickets are available online at www.oebb.at, via the ÖBB Ticket App, or at ticket machines at the station.
From Brno to Hotel Atlantis:
Taxi:
The distance from Brno main railway station or ÚAN Zvonařka bus terminal to Hotel Atlantis is approximately 13 km. Travel time is around 20 minutes. Typical fare is 400–500 CZK (16–20 EUR).
Recommended taxi service:
CITY TAXI
Tel.: +420 542 321 321
By public transport:
From Brno hlavní nádraží, take tram No. 1 (platform No. 1, direction Bystrc, Ečerova). Get off at the Zoologická zahrada stop (approximately 23 minutes). From there, transfer to bus No. 302 (direction Jinačovice / Kuřim) and get off at the Rozdrojovice, rekreační středisko stop.
The bus stop is located directly in front of Hotel Atlantis. Use the stop button to request disembarkation.
Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at tram stops. A 60-minute ticket costs 25 CZK (approximately 1 EUR) and is valid for both tram and bus.
You can use a contactless payment card on public transport in Brno. Tap your card on the validator when boarding and tap again when leaving the vehicle. The fare is calculated automatically according to your journey.
Conference Shuttle
On Sunday, June 28th 2026, PSI will provide a minibus shuttle service from Hotel Atlantis (the final pick-up location will be specified in advance) to the PSI Research Center in Drásov and back to the hotel.