I was pleased to address the annual symposium of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) at the Bond Life Sciences Center. Founded in 1981, IPG has grown from nine original members to more than 50 teams in three MU colleges, the School of Medicine and the USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia. This collaboration also brings together partners throughout the state, including from MU Extension and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis.

This year’s symposium unites around 200 global leaders in plant science and features speakers from the U.S., the U.K., Spain, South Korea and Germany. We’re also proud to celebrate the symposium’s 40^th anniversary. It’s a remarkable accomplishment and shows IPG’s reputation for research excellence.

The symposium’s topic, “Plant Hormones at the Intersection of Stress and Development,” covers critical research in agriculture and biology, among many areas, as well as potential impacts to human health. These important discussions improve food security, contribute to lifesaving pharmaceuticals and benefit communities around the world.

Thank you to IPG Director David Braun and all who helped organize this year’s symposium. Global issues require global solutions. IPG’s collaborative focus is central to our mission as a land-grant university.

— Mun