On behalf of the New Phytologist Trust and symposium organisers I am pleased to invite you to participate in the 22nd New Phytologist Symposium entitled ‘Effectors in plant–microbe interactions’ to be held at INRA Versailles Research Centre, Paris, France. Full details about the meeting are below and on the linked pages, however if you have any questions please do contact New Phytologist Symposia.
I look forward to welcoming you in Paris.

Managing Editor, New Phytologist

Effectors are defined as molecules produced by bio-aggressors/pathogens/symbionts to manipulate their host plants, thereby facilitating infection (virulence or symbiotic factors, toxins, inhibitors) and/or triggering defense responses (avirulence factors, elicitors). This dual (and conflicting) activity of effectors has been broadly reported in many plant–microbial interactions. This research topic is actively investigated using a combination of approaches (genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and developmental biology) and benefits from the recent advances in plant and microbial functional genomics and genome-wide evolutionary analyses. Tremendous progress has been made in recent years but many questions remain unanswered. The 22nd New Phytologist Symposium aims to act as a catalyst for future research by bringing together scientists working on plant–microbe interactions across a range of organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes) to identify and focus on these important questions.

The symposium will take place over four days at the INRA Versailles Research Centre, Paris, France. Over 20 talks will form the basis of discussion at what will be a relatively small meeting (up to 120 participants). Following each 30-minute talk there will be 10-minute period for discussion rather than the usual brief question time. In this way we hope to provide a lively forum for exchanging ideas and discussing new approaches. There will also be a poster session and reception on the Monday evening and conference dinner on the Tuesday evening.