Plant Health Series: Summer Conference 2026
An online conference focusing on different aspects of plant health.
Details
When? Thursday 25 June 2026, 10:00 to 15:45
Where? Online
CPD Approved This event is approved for CPD
An online conference focusing on different aspects of plant health
As part of the Royal Society of Biology's Plant Health Series, this symposium will involve lectures and short flash talks from a range of professionals within the industry. There will also be opportunities to engage with different members of the plant health community, and build bridges across the many disciplines within this sector.
Attendees will get the opportunity to hear from industry experts, learn about exciting new or ongoing projects and discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise within the area of plant health.
Programme
A programme will be available in due course.
Speakers
- Keynote: Professor Lorna Anne Dawson DBE FRSB, Head of Forensic Science, James Hutton Institute
- Dr Charles Lane PHP FRSB, Plant Health Consultant, Fera
- Dr Tia Salter MRSB, Royal Society of Biology
- Plant Health Undergraduate Studentship flash talk session:
- Luc Bachkhaznadji, Heriot-Watt University
- Molly Ross, Oxford University
- Amelie Mayne, University of Exeter
- Marco Benucci MRSB, PHUGS Supervisor, Fera
Further speakers are TBC.
Speaker biographies
Professor Lorna Anne Dawson DBE FRSB, is honorary Professor of Forensic Science at Robert Gordon University and SEFARI Gateway Knowledge Exchange Lead for Environment and Soils. She contributes to forensic science teaching at several universities in the UK and internationally, and has supervised over 20 PhD students. Lorna has published more than 100 peer‑reviewed papers, books and chapters, and regularly presents at national and international conferences.
Lorna has reported and advised on over 150 cases, written over 100 Expert Witness reports, in the UK and overseas. She has presented evidence in over 20 cases. Her honours include the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award and the RSE James Hutton Medal (2023). She also contributes widely to public engagement, media and parliamentary inquiries.
Lorna pioneered the application of soil organo‑mineral markers in forensic investigations and was Principal Investigator on the EPSRC‑funded SoilFit project, with associated engagement work (GIMI), and lead adviser on the Danish SoilTracker project. She holds senior roles across professional and international forensic networks, including Chair of the Forensic Geology Group of the Geological Society.
Audience
This event is open to all, but will be particularly relevant to those working in areas related to plant health.
Cost and booking
Bookings for this event are free and are now open, book via the link at the top of this page.
Bookings will close on Wednesday 24 June at 23:59.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
This event is approved by the Royal Society of Biology for purposes of CPD and can be counted as 6 CPD points.
Special requirements
If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.
Contact
For booking, website or event queries, please contact Evie Drennan via events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3444.
Code of Conduct
By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.