Event

Tree Biotechnology Conference 2015

Date: 
8 June, 2015 to 12 June, 2015
Format: 
Thematic areas: 

 

Coordinator: Cristina Vettori
Institute of Bioscience and BioResources (IBBR)


 

The IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference is held every two years and is the official meeting of the IUFRO Working Group 2.04.06 (Molecular biology of forest trees). The year 2015 is the thirtieth anniversary of its first organization in 1985 in the U.S. (Avon Lake, Ohio), and for the first time organized in Italy, returning to Europe after 8 years. It is estimated that about 300 delegates from at least 50 countries will participate the Tree Biotechnology Conference being the major international forum to present and discuss new developments and ideas regarding the current state and future of research in genetics, genomics and biotechnology in the forestry sector. This conference brings together academics, scientists, public and private institutions of international, national and regional, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss all aspects of biotechnology and biosafety of forest trees. Therefore, “IUFRO Tree Biotechnology” offers a unique opportunity to share information and experiences, and to engage in an open and meaningful dialogue on the state of research.

The main theme of the conference is “Forest: the importance to the planet and society” and how to preserve it in the light of global climate change to meet the growing needs of society for sustainable resources, renewable energy and biomass production.

There is a growing worldwide demand for wood and biomass in response to the needs of the society (paper, energy etc.), and therefore we are witnessing an increase in forest plantations at high productivity (e.g. poplar and eucalyptus). The latest generation of biotechnology can meet the demands of the society by helping to preserve the natural forests and reducing deforestation of large forest areas important for the “life of the world.” This conference is a unique and timely opportunity focusing on the real social and environmental issues and knowledge gaps related to the status of research and to the development of new technologies. This implies a dynamic discussion on the intersection of science, regulation and society, which will be an innovative session of the Congress in which socio-economic studies related to biotechnology and regulatory issues are reported and discussed. 

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