Pre-Conference Events
Workshops
Genetics of maize–microbe interactions
The workshop on the genetics of maize–microbe interactions focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms that shape how maize plants interact with beneficial and pathogenic microbes. It brings together researchers to explore host and microbial genes, molecular pathways, and applications for improving crop resilience and productivity.
Date: February 26, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a networking dinner the evening of February 25
Location: Cologne Biocenter, Lecture hall 0.024
Contact: Gunther Doehlemann (University of Cologne) (g.doehlemann@uni-koeln.de)
Organizers:
Gunther Doehlemann (U of Cologne),
Saet-Byul Kim (U of Nebraska),
Jason Wallace (U of Georgia), and
Tiffany Jamann (U of Illinois)
Registration link: https://forms.gle/TzZbrN7YXwrTRaRJA
🗓 Deadline - Abstracts by January 15, 2026, registration by: February 15, 2026.
Corn Breeding Research Meeting
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 26, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Cologne Germany, Maritim Hotel Köln, Heumarkt 20, 50667 Köln
Contact: Registration: Sally Muller Sally.Muller@wisc.edu;
Daily events: Alevtina Ruban (KWS-KGaA, DEEI) Alevtina.ruban@kws.com
Registration link: https://uwmadison.eventsair.com/cornbreeding26/cornbreedingreg/Site/Register
🗓 Deadline - Thursday, December 25, 2025
Maize Development & Cell Biology Workshop
Join us for a workshop dedicated to discussing the latest research in Maize Development and Cell Biology. Graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty will present their results in a short talk format, with a small, friendly audience. Plenty of time will be available after each talk for animated discussion.
Date/Time: Thursday, February 26, from 9am - 4pm.
Details: If you would like to attend or attend and present your work, please complete the form below. Attendance is limited and registration is required. Lunch will be provided to registrants only. The Maize Meeting Hotel rate is available for those who need to fly into Cologne on Wednesday to arrive in time for the workshop's start.
Organizers/Contacts:
Paula McSteen (mcsteenp@missouri.edu),
Dave Jackson (jacksond@cshl.edu), or
Michaela Matthes (mmatthes@uni-bonn.de)
Registration: https://www.mgcmeeting.com/cell-biology
🗓 Deadline - registration must be submitted by Friday, December 19th.
Tour
Jülich Plant Phenotyping Tour
Join us for an exciting tour of the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences: plant sciences (IBG-2) at Forschungszentrum Jülich on February 26, 2026! This is a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research facilities where the next generation of plant phenotyping infrastructure is developed and applied. The tour will offer an insightful glimpse into innovative technologies and methods in plant sciences, facilitated through national and international partnerships with academia and industry. Don’t miss your chance to see firsthand how IBG-2 is leveraging innovative research and technologies to unlock solutions that shape the future of agriculture.
Reserve your spot at the link below, as space is limited to 30! Transportation and lunch will be provided.
Please remember to bring your passport to enter the compound.
Date: February 26, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pick up and return: Maritim Hotel Köln
Location: FZ Juelich
Contact: Karina Wilms (k.wilms@fz-juelich.de)
Maximum number of participants: 30
Registration: https://www.mgcmeeting.com/ibg
Bayer Crop Science - Monheim
Join us for a tour of the Bayer Crop Science Monheim facility on February 26, 2026! Open exclusively to attendees of the Maize Genetics Conference, this is a unique opportunity to visit the home of several cutting-edge research facilities impacting agriculture globally.
The tour will provide a glimpse into some of the key facilities that help Bayer innovate in agriculture.
Reserve your spot at the link below, as spaces are limited! Transportation and lunch will be provided.
Please provide additional details in this sign-up link. Transportation will be provided via motorcoach with pick-up and drop-off at Maritim.
Date: February 26, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pick up and return: Maritim Hotel Köln
Location: Monheim
Contact: Douglas Eudy douglas.eudy@bayer.com
Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/CH59S4wDDh
