Report From The XX International Botanical Congress, Madrid, Spain, 21–27 July 2024

Abstract

The XX International Botanical Congress (XX IBC) took place in Madrid, Spain from 21 to 27 July 2024. This is the largest international, professional conference for plant sciences on Earth. Because it only takes place every six years and includes a significant international presence, it is sometimes referred to as the “Olympics” of botanical sciences. This year, the analogy was more relevant as the meeting coincided with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France (26 July–11 August 2024). The XX IBC was authorized by the International Association of Botanical and Mycological Societies (IABMS) and was originally planned to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2023; however, it was decided early in 2021 that due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic and political issues, the Congress would be delayed by one year and the host was moved to Madrid, Spain.