Seeds at the forefront: synthesis of the inaugural National Seed Science Forum and future directions in Australian seed science

Abstract

Abstract. Seed science is fundamental to many fields of endeavour, from agricultural production, to restoration, and conservation of threatened species and communities. This is especially the case in Australia which has seen hugely increased involvement and outputs from seed scientists across many sectors over the last three decades. This escalation in research is reflected in the program and outcomes of the first National Seed Science Forum that was held in March 2016 and was attended by delegates representing many scientific institutions, industry, non-government organisations and volunteer groups. There were delegates from nine countries, and keynote presentations and workshops by global leaders in seed science. A key outcome of the Forum was the unique opportunity for discussion and collaboration across sectors.

Seed science in Australasia: regionally important, globally relevant

“…The conference, attended by 425 participants from 34 countries, reflected the breadth of seed science globally. The academic programme of 7 keynotes, 61 presentations, 17 posters and 3 workshops highlighted enormous progress in the Australasian region since the inaugural conference in 2016 (Offord et al 2017). The conference highlighted stronger information and technology exchange between the native seed and agricultural seed sectors.…”