2024 IBC Call for Symposia

Two years ahead of the XX IBC, the Organizing Committee is pleased to launch the Call for Symposia. They encourage researchers worldwide to submit symposium proposals on a variety of topics through the IBC website. The call for symposia will remain open until December 30th, 2022. Symposia constitute a very important component of the XX IBC, please submit a proposal and help shape the meeting’s program! Also note that diversity of speakers in terms of gender, career stage, and geography will be one of the criteria for selecting proposals. Symposium proposals that bridge two or more of the 31 proposed topics , including novel views and/or multi-disciplinary research perspectives, are especially encouraged.

Call for symposia

Proposal submission now available!
The scientific committee will evaluate symposium proposals based on potential audience interest, scientific quality, and diversity of speakers in terms of gender, career stage, and geography, among others. Symposium proposals that bridge two or more of the 31 proposed topics, including novel views and/or multi-disciplinary research perspectives are especially encouraged. We will make an effort to accept as many proposals as possible. Each symposium will last for 2 hours and will consist of six 20-minute oral communications (15 min presentations + 5 min Q&A). To maximize the interchangeability of participants among concurrent symposia, changes to this schedule will not be allowed.

Proposal Submission

Topics

Agroforestry Systems

Global Change Ecology

Bioinformatics

Hybrids and Hybridization

Biogeography / Phylogeography

Mycology and Lichenology

Botanical History

Macroevolution

Bryology

Paleobotany / Archaeobotany

Comparative Genomics / Transcriptomics

Phycology

Conservation Biology

Phylogenetics and Phylogenomics

Crops and Wild Relatives

Physiology

Development and Structure

Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions

Ecology and Plant Communities

Plant Biotechnology

Ecophysiology

Palynology

Education and Outreach

Population Genetics

Ethnobotany

Pteridology

Floristics

Restoration Ecology

Functional Genetics

Reproductive Biology

Systematics

BSA seeking mentors for the PLANTS program at Botany 2022

BSA is pleased to announce that the new Botany & Beyond: PLANTS III (Preparing Leaders and Nurturing Tomorrow's Scientists) program funded by the National Science Foundation will be bringing 15 talented undergraduates of diverse backgrounds to Botany 2022 in Anchorage this summer. The mentoring program is integral in helping our scientific community to nurture student interest in plant biology, and ultimately to diversify and advance our science.

Those who have participated have found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. The majority of our PLANTS recipients from the past eleven years have been accepted to or are currently pursuing graduate programs or a career in the plant sciences. Several alumni have progressed far enough in their careers that they have landed positions as assistant professors, are working in research labs, conservation programs, government jobs, or in industry.

We are currently seeking 15 Professional/PostDoc mentors and 15 Graduate student/Peer mentors for the program. It is preferable that mentors have experience at a past scientific conference (BOTANY or another national scientific meeting). Mentors agree to a 2-3 hour commitment each day of the meeting as well as attendance at 1-2 summer Zoom mentor trainings (1 hour each) and certain conference events including the Sunday evening July 24th student/mentor meet-up, Tuesday July 26th Belonging in Botany Special Lecture with mentee, Wednesday July 27th Beyond BOTANY lunch with mentee and touching base with our PLANTS grant recipients prior to, during, and after the meeting this summer. Our Botany & Beyond grant will cover registration for the Peer Mentors. 

Your primary role will be to help guide your student through the meeting, listen to their questions and desires about their career path, and share your personal experiences in the field of the botanical sciences. The main mentoring takes place at the conference itself.  As a mentor, you are expected to attend and discuss a few talks with your mentee each day, help them network and introduce them to colleagues, discuss their interests and career path, and in general, help them enjoy and benefit professionally from the conference. We also encourage mentors to follow-up with their mentees after the conference and we plan to create opportunities for the PLANTS cohorts and mentors to connect throughout the year.

Anyone interested in mentoring a PLANTS recipient, should complete the following short application form. We want our mentors and mentees to have the best possible experience. The questions in this form will be used to help pair mentors and students and we will confirm your participation in mid-May.

Read more about the PLANTS program.

Thanks to all of our mentors (104 of you!) who have served in this program over the last eleven years! If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Sims, BSA DEI Outreach Programs Coordinator (ssims@botany.org).

Sincerely,

Heather Cacanindin

Executive Director

Botanical Society of America

BOTANY CREW LEAD (DIXIE FIRE RESTORATION)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service’s Lassen and Plumas National Forests are recruiting Botany Technicians. These are field oriented positions that will be completing surveys or implementing invasive weed treatments in response to burned area restoration within the Dixie Fire burn scar. Data related to invasive plant infestations will be collected using a variety of methods including field forms, tablets (using apps such as Avenza, Survey123, and Field Maps), and GPS programs. Technicians are responsible for data quality assurance and quality control, ensuring all data is entered into the appropriate databases of record, and for compiling and summarizing data for reports.

Botany Technicians will also assist with implementing the USFS Noxious Weed Management Program by treating existing infestations, mapping infestation ranges, and conducting Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) surveys. Treatments will include the use of manual and mechanical control measures including hand pulling, clipping, tarping, and the use of gas-powered weed eaters and herbicide application. Technicians will have data management responsibilities similar to those described for rare plant work.

Botany Technicians will be stationed at the Boulder Creek Work Station on the Plumas National Forest and will serve under the direction of USFS Staff. Field work will occur in remote locations, where cellular connections are unavailable or inconsistent. Field conditions may include hot summer weather, potential thunderstorms, poison oak, insect bites, and wildlife encounters. Candidates should have good physical fitness, the ability to operate vehicles safely on rough, narrow roads, including the use of 4WD, and the ability and willingness to hike steep slopes and endure hot temperatures throughout the summer.

Responsibilities:
- Treat invasive plant infestations (Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods);
- Identify non-native plant species using various field guides and survey methods for target plants;
- Collect data on infestation location and status;
- Accurately data related to invasive plant treatments according to specific protocols; and
- Perform basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications.
- Lead field crews and manage logistics during training and while working on conservation projects
- Accurately prepare data for submission to agency partners
- Responsible for the safety of crew and general public
- Ensure projects are complete to the highest standards

Contract Timeline:
May 30 – Oct 14
Full time (40 hours/week). M-TH 7-530

Location:
Boulder Creek Work Station on the Plumas National Forest

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation and Benefits:
• $16.50/hour depending on experience
• $7.25 Per diem for days in the field
• Campground provided with shower and bathroom
• Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Paid health insurance, with optional vision and dental insurance
• Professional development and technical training opportunities

Optional Training & Education we will provide include:
• Defensive Driving Certification
• Off-Road Driving Class
• Resume Building Workshop
• Interview Skills Workshop
• Native Plant Identification
• Invasive Plant Identification
• GPS Unit Training
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Job Qualifications:
Qualifications:

Technical requirements:
- The position requires some knowledge or interest of methods and procedures used botanical surveys (e.g., visual encounter surveys, plant identification).
- The duties require some knowledge of the basic principles of botanical resources.
- Current Driver License with clean driving record (must qualify to drive GBI Vehicles)
- Ability to self-motivate and maintain a positive attitude.
- Ability to walk long distances in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing mountainous conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
- Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office setting; and
- Ability to work on a variety of different projects with changing priorities.

Additional requirements:
- Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;