PRI and Penn State Plant Institute launch research partnership at collaborative symposium
Scientists from the MSU Plant Resilience Institute (PRI) and the Penn State Plant Institute gathered October 22-23 for the inaugural Plant Resilience Across Scales Symposium hosted at MSU.
The two-day symposium brought together faculty with complementary expertise in plant biology, agriculture, engineering, data science, and environmental research. Under the theme “From Genes to Ecosystems: Accelerating Discovery Through Cross-Institutional Collaboration,” the event focused on building scientific connections, identifying shared research priorities, and formulating ideas on how to address pressing challenges in plant resilience.
The symposium opened with remarks from PRI Associate Director Robert VanBuren and Penn State's Christina Grozinger, followed by faculty flash talks on their labs’ research expertise. Presentations on specialized research infrastructure and technologies available at both universities, including microscopy, laser ablation tomography, and plant imaging facilities, highlighted opportunities to leverage complementary resources. Afterwards, MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Assistant Professor Yuzhen Lu delivered a keynote address on non-destructive sensing and automation technologies for addressing practical needs in agricultural production and postharvest processes. Small-group discussions and a poster session also helped participants identify potential areas for collaboration.
The second day shifted toward translating these connections into actionable research partnerships. PRI Director Sue Rhee led a session on developing large-scale, externally funded research centers, while Penn State researchers Jill Hamilton and Carolyn Lowry discussed emerging funding opportunities. The event also included a tour of the MSU greenhouse complex and growth chamber facility, offering visiting researchers an opportunity to experience MSU’s plant science infrastructure firsthand.
The symposium represents an important first step toward establishing a sustained collaboration between PRI and the Penn State Plant Institute, connecting leading scientists to work together towards improving our understanding of plant resilience across scales.
