Welcome to the 2025 CSPB • SCBV Western Regional Meeting

Cultivating Innovation and the Next Generation of Plant Science

We are pleased to invite you to the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists • la Société Canadienne de la Biologie Végétale (CSPB • SCBV) Western Regional Meeting at the University of Saskatchewan, November 9-10, 2025, in Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

This hybrid event will showcase innovative plant research from across Canada and explore the vital role of plant science in addressing today’s most pressing environmental and societal challenges. With a forward-looking focus on innovation and the evolving role of plant biology, the meeting will highlight how emerging scientists are advancing both basic and applied research to support sustainability, climate resilience, and food security. We hope to inspire the next generation in attendance and spotlight the creativity and momentum that early-career plant biologists bring to the field.

The scientific program will feature an outstanding lineup of plenary speakers who are advancing the frontiers of plant biology and agricultural research:

Dr. Curtis Pozniak, Director, Crop Development Centre and Professor, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Edel Pérez-López, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Insect Vectors, Invasions, and Emergent Plant Diseases, Université Laval
Dr. Xue Pan, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Scarborough
Dr. Thu-Thuy Dang, Assistant Professor and Principal’s Research Chair in Natural Products Biotechnology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan
Dr. Leon Kochian, Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Global Food Security, and Associate Director, Global Institute for Food Security

Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the Canadian Light Source, Canada’s national synchrotron research facility, located right here on the University of Saskatchewan campus. As Canada’s brightest light, the CLS offers a fascinating glimpse into cutting-edge analytical technologies used in plant and agricultural research.

Key Dates

Abstract submission: June 1 - September 30, 2025
Early bird registration: June 1 - August 31, 2025
Regular registration: September 1 - November 8, 2025

Local Organizing Committee

Teagen Quilichini (chair), Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan
Christopher Todd, Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan
Byung-Kook (Brian) Ham, Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan
Brendan O’Leary, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Christophe Liseron-Monfils, Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council Canada

The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.