NAPPN 2026 Workshop: The Science of Phenomics – Defining a New Scientific Discipline
Host: IPPN The Science of Phenomics Working Group
Location: Michigan State University Duration: 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes)
This Workshop is Part of North American Plant Phenotyping Network's (NAPPN) Annual Conference Pre-Conference Program Date: February 09, 2026
Link to Registration
Workshop Description
This focused workshop, driven by the goals of the IPPN Working Group on the Science of Phenomics, is dedicated to formally establishing Phenomics as a core scientific discipline, distinct from its application in fields like plant breeding, agronomy, or ecology.
Our central proposition defines Phenomics as the discovery and study of natural phenomena arising from the application of in-depth knowledge of technology, physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences.
The session will bring together the phenomics community to collaboratively achieve the Working Group’s key aims:
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Defining Core Scientific Questions: Through discussions like “What is your favorite example of a Phenomics study?”, we will identify fundamental questions unique to the discipline.
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Forming the Phenomicist Identity: We will explore the necessary skill sets and training required for this new type of scientist, driven by discussions like “What would you contribute to promote Phenomics as a Science?”
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Developing Educational Concepts: The program features lightning talks from experts, Dr. Sindhuja Sankaran and Dr. Ethan Pickering, and NAPPN Travel Award Winners, showcasing studies that bridge applied biology with advanced data science and AI/ML.
The workshop will conclude with a call for active community participation and volunteers to help launch new outreach channels (podcast and YouTube) crucial for promoting this new scientific identity. Join us on February 10, 2026, to contribute to the foundational definition and future educational standards of Phenomics.
Tentative Program Schedule (Total Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes; 9-12am)
|
Time |
Duration |
Activity & Presenter(s) |
Focus & Discussion Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9:00 |
5 min |
Pre-Event Engagement: Give Out Stickers! |
Welcome and Informal Networking |
|
9:05 |
25 min |
Welcome & Presentation of Concept |
Dr. Alexander Bucksch (University of Arizona) (20 min presentation + 5 min Q&A) – Setting the stage for phenomics community engagement. |
|
9:30 |
20 min |
Impulse Example 1: Data-Driven Phenomics Success Stories |
Sindhuja Sankaran, Ph.D (Associate Professor, Washington State University) (15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A) |
|
9:50 |
20 min |
Impulse Example 2: Early Career Data Insights |
Travel Award Winner 1 (15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A) |
|
10:10 |
15 min |
Impulse Discussion 1 |
What is your favorite example of a Phenomics study? (Identifying impactful research and applications) |
|
10:25 |
10 min |
Break |
|
|
10:35 |
20 min |
Impulse Example 3: AI/ML in Multi-Scale Phenotyping |
Ethan Pickering (Head of Data Science Research at Bayer Crop Science) (15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A) |
|
10:55 |
20 min |
Impulse Example 4: Promoting the Next Generation of Phenomics |
Travel Award Winner 2 (15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A) |
|
11:15 |
15 min |
Impulse Discussion 2 |
What would you (personally or as a group) contribute to promote Phenomics as a Science? (Generating ideas for future outreach and education) |
|
11:30 |
10 min |
Wrap Up & Call to Action |
Dr. Alexander Bucksch (University of Arizona) / Facilitators (Recruiting Volunteers for the new community podcast and YouTube channel) |
Travel Scholarship to the "Phenomics is a Science Workshop" at NAPPN 2026
The IPPN "PhenomX as a Science" Working Group is offering a Travel Scholarship for early career presenters at their workshop on February 9, 2026. The workshop is part of the pre-conference program of the North American Plant Phenotyping Network's Annual Conference (February 10–12, 2026) at Michigan State University.
This grant aims to facilitate participation for early-career researchers engaged in phenomics.
Regulations to receive a travel scholarship to NAPPN 2026:
- The scholarship covers up to $1000. The scholarship can be used towards travel, lodging, ground transportation, etc. The support will NOT cover any visa associated costs.
- The deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 6, 2025.
- You must be a PhD candidate, full-time enrolled and in good standing, or a PostDoc up to 5 years after graduation. Proof of eligibility required.
- If you are selected for a scholarship, you must present in person at our NAPPN 2026 workshop about your research and why you are a phenomicist. We require proof of registration.
- Travel is restricted to transportation to/from their institution and the workshop, and recipients are expected to attend the NAPPN 2026 conference during the length of their visit.
- The scholarship will be reimbursed through the IPPN office 1 week after the conference . You must present the receipts for flight, hotel etc. to receive the reimbursement.
- Winner of the scholarships will be determined by three members of the working group that rate the three questions below.