About the Conference
General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies of The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Republic Türkiye, the Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the EUPHRESCO Network office are jointly organising an international conference on plant health research coordination and funding in the Middle East and Central Asia. 

Background
Addressing plant health challenges effectively requires not only strong national capacities, but also coordinated research efforts and international collaboration. Research coordination enables countries and institutions to align priorities, share expertise, avoid duplication, and maximise the impact of limited resources. In this context, international networks play a key role in connecting researchers, policymakers, and funding bodies.

Objectives of the Conference
The Conference aims to: i) Explain what plant health research coordination is and demonstrate its added value, ii) Promote international collaboration in plant health research across the Middle East and Central Asia, iii) Present EUPHRESCO as a platform supporting research coordination and funding at international level, iv) Exchange experiences and perspectives on regional and transnational plant health research needs, v) Encourage participation of countries and institutions from the Middle East and Central Asia in coordinated research activities.

Conference Format
The conference will include: i) Plenary presentations on plant health challenges and research coordination, ii) Contributions from international and regional organisations, iii) Case studies and examples of coordinated research activities, iv) Discussions on funding mechanisms and future cooperation opportunities.

Venue and date
Istanbul, Türkiye, 16th-17th of April 2026.

Target Audience
National Plant Protection Organisations, Plant health researchers and research institutes, Policymakers and funding bodies, International and regional organisations involved in plant health.