Professor Katie Field, University of Sheffield
My research spans 500 million years of land plant evolution, focusing on the interactions between plants and the soil around them, including the myriad of microorganisms that inhabit the below-ground environment. I am interested in the role of diverse soil fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Mucoromycotina ‘fine root endophytes’) in plant nutrition and soil nutrient cycling in both modern and ancient ecosystems, including the role of fungi in helping plants get a foothold on land when they started making the transition from an aquatic to terrestrial existence in the Early Devonian. My research also seeks to improve sustainability in agriculture through the potential application of our knowledge about mycorrhizal symbioses to improving crop nutrition while reducing chemical inputs.
What excites you most about ICOM12?
There’s nothing like the energy and dynamic exchange of ideas that come from face-to-face interactions at a conference – I am super excited about the prospect of reconnecting with colleagues old and new, and delving into the latest developments in mycorrhizal research in person. I can’t wait to catch up on the cutting-edge research and discuss the latest findings directly with the leading experts in the field. The ICOM has always been my favourite conference, there really is nothing like an ICOM to stimulate new ideas and directions for mycorrhizal research!
Why should people attend ICOM12?
The ICOM12 will bring together the world’s leading experts in mycorrhizal science in one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the north of England. We have developed a fantastic and stimulating scientific programme with a set of incredible speakers to update everyone on the state of the art in the field and stimulate timely discussions. Alongside all this, we’ve organised some fabulous social events that make the most of the location and provide invaluable opportunities for delegates to develop their own mycorrhizal networks!
