Plant Scientists in Europe are represented by two independent organisations. The FESPB (Federation of European Societies of Plant Biologists) is the umbrella organisation of 27 national botanical societies in Europe, representing more than 24.000 individuals and has in addition several corporate members from the European industry.

The EPSO (European Plant Science Organisation) unites more than 220 research institutions and universities from 30 countries representing over 28.000 individuals and over 2.800 personal members. In addition EPSO cooperates with national learned societies, and it has NGOs and companies as observers.
For the first time, both organisations have agreed to hold a joint Plant Biology Congress 2012 at the University of Freiburg, Germany. This congress will highlight all aspects of plant biology with special emphasis on the consequences of global climate change and on feeding the global world population. From July 29 to August 3, 2012 plant scientist from all over the world are cordially invited to meet in the “Green City” of Freiburg.
 
Website : http://www.plant-biology-congress2012.de/home.html
 
Heinz Rennenberg and Ralf Reski