Plant ETP at the Euroseeds NextGen Forum 2025: Empowering the Future of Plant Science
22nd October 2025 – Plant ETP took part in the NextGen Forum during the Euroseeds Congress 2025 in Edinburgh, an event dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of plant scientists, breeders, and innovators.
Plant ETP’s Executive Manager, Germán Vighi, joined the programme as an invited speaker, sharing insights on innovation, skills development, and the future opportunities shaping European agriculture.
The NextGen Forum brought together students, young professionals, researchers, and seed sector leaders from across Scotland, the UK, and Europe for a dynamic exchange on research careers, plant science, and the evolving landscape of plant breeding.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The session opened with remarks from Garlich v. Essen, Secretary General and CEO of Euroseeds, who introduced a morning dedicated to future career paths, essential skills, and emerging opportunities in the plant breeding and seed sectors.
A panel of experienced leaders shared perspectives on innovation and sector needs, featuring:
- Marco van Leeuwen, Managing Director, Rijk Zwaan, and Vice President of Euroseeds
- Nigel Moore, Head of Food Ingredients, KWS Group, and Member of the Euroseeds Board
- César González de Miguel, Manager Public Affairs, Euroseeds
- Germán Vighi, Executive Manager, Plant ETP
The discussion was moderated by Jean Paul Judson, Founder of NOWMORE, who guided a lively and forward‑looking dialogue on how future plant scientists can help drive the transformation of European agriculture.
Germán Vighi emphasised the critical role of emerging talent in supporting research, accelerating technology uptake, and fostering innovation across the agri‑food system. He highlighted the importance of science‑based policymaking, skills development, and stronger links between research, industry, and society.
Showcasing Research and Collaboration
In the second part of the session, members of the Euroseeds Research Team (Amelie Detterbeck, Darya Chernokova, Yasmine Ambrogio) presented the association’s involvement in EU‑funded research projects. Their contributions demonstrated the seed sector’s active engagement in advancing innovation, strengthening research networks, and supporting knowledge transfer across Europe.
The morning concluded with an open exchange between speakers and participants, with students and early‑career researchers sharing their questions, ideas, and perspectives on future skills, training needs, and opportunities in plant science.
Plant ETP’s Commitment
For Plant ETP, the NextGen Forum was an excellent opportunity to engage with the rising generation of plant innovators and to reaffirm its mission: connecting research, industry, and policy to support long‑term innovation in Europe’s agri‑food system.
The curiosity and enthusiasm displayed by participants underscored both the sector’s strong future and the importance of investing in skills, communication, and collaboration.
Acknowledgements
Plant ETP warmly thanks the Euroseeds team for their invitation and for organising a stimulating and well‑structured event. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute and to connect with the talented young minds shaping the future of European plant science.
