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Abstract submission deadline: 30 September 2026. NEW DEADLINE: 15 October 2026

New Genomic Techniques for Crop improvement 2027 (NGTs for CROPS)

New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for Crop improvement: the science, technology and social EU perspective

International Congress on the science, technology and social aspects of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for crop improvement

We live at a time of major opportunities and challenges for global agriculture: while New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), especially CRISPR and cisgenesis, now enable highly precise crop improvement, climate change, emerging diseases, and global market instability continue to threaten food security. This congress brings together leading experts in genome editing, trait biology, and AI-driven trait discovery to discuss advances in developing high-yielding, better-quality, more resilient, and disease-resistant crops. The latest developments in editing tools for diverse and recalcitrant crops, including trees and vegetatively propagated species, will be presented.

NGTs for Crops 2027 provides a forum for researchers, technology developers, breeders, policymakers, regulators, and industry partners to share the latest results and address the scientific, technical, social, and regulatory dimensions of NGTs. Topic-specific sessions and roundtable discussions will offer up-to-date science and perspectives on evolving global and EU regulatory frameworks and their implications for research, innovation, and food systems.

The timing of the congress is particularly significant. Held on 25–28 January 2027, just months after the adoption of the new European Union legislative framework for plants developed using New Genomic Techniques, the meeting will provide one of the first major international opportunities to discuss the practical implications of the new regulation. It will serve as a unique platform for dialogue among scientists, breeders, industry representatives, policymakers, and regulators on how the new framework can accelerate innovation, facilitate the delivery of improved crop varieties to farmers, strengthen the competitiveness of European agriculture, and contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems.

The NGTs for Crops Congress will take place at the Palacio de Congresos de Valencia, Spain, from January 25 to January 28, 2027

Antonio Granell

Antonio Granell


Antonio Granell is a Research Professor at the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP, CSIC-UPV) in Valencia, Spain, and an internationally recognized expert in plant biotechnology, genetics, and crop improvement. His research has made significant contributions to understanding fruit development, quality traits, and plant metabolism, particularly in tomato, while advancing the application of modern breeding and genomic technologies in crop improvement. Prof. Granell is the convenor of this congress and will provide a
research and innovation perspective on how new genomic techniques can accelerate the development of improved crop varieties, highlighting their potential to enhance quality, sustainability, and resilience while supporting the transition towards a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector.

Dirk Inzé

Dirk Inzé


Dirk Inzé is Professor Emeritus at Ghent University and a globally recognized leader in plant biology. Former Director of the VIB UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, his pioneering research on plant growth, crop productivity, and advanced breeding technologies has had a major impact on modern plant science. He is also Chair of EU SAGE, a network promoting the responsible use of genome editing for sustainable agriculture. Prof. Inzé is convenor of this congress and will provide a European scientific perspective on the potential of new genomic techniques to enhance crop productivity,sustai ability, and climate resilience, drawing on decades of research at the forefront of plant biotechnology and innovation

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