Biological timing in photosynthetic organisms

Registration and abstract submission are seperate processes. Registration places are limited to 150 participants. If you would plan to attend even if your abstract is not selected for the programme, we encourage you to register early. We do save registration places for selected oral presenters should registration reach capacity before abstracts are selected.  We are expecting abstract selection to be competitive and spaces for oral presentations and poster presentations are limited. 

Registration rates:

Early bird student £300.00
Early bird regular £400.00
Student £350.00
Regular £450.00

Registration includes:

• Access to all sessions, including poster sessions

• Lunch and refreshment breaks as per the schedule

• A place at the symposium dinner

Registration does not include accommodation.

The early bird rate is available until Monday 11 January 2027

Travel grants and registration fee waivers

PhD students and early career researchers with fewer than 5 years' experience since completing their PhD may request a travel grant and/or a registration fee waiver when submitting an abstract. This can be extended to researchers with more than 5 years' experience if they are based in a country that is classed as low- or middle-income by the World Bank, and would be unable to attend without a travel grant. We expect the process to be competitive.

Abstract submission

Delegates are encouraged to submit an abstract to be considered for an oral or poster presentation.  

We have limited poster exhibition/programme space and expect the process to be competitive. Preference will be given to new unpublished, or recently published work. 

Each presenting author is limited to one abstract submission, but there is no limit on how many times someone can be listed as co-author. Should an abstract be selected for inclusion the presenting author will need to register to attend before their inclusion in the programme is confirmed.

Abstract submission deadline: 25 January 2027

Abstract and travel grant decisions will be confirmed in late February 2027/ early March 2027.

Abstract guidelines

• All abstract sections should be provided in English.

• The main text should provide concise details of the background and objective(s) of the investigation, methods used, results and conclusion.

• Abstract text should be no more than 200 words.

Abstract submissions are done on the Oxford Abstracts submission portal. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create a free account.

For details of using the submission portal please visit Oxford Abstracts' guidance for submitters page. You can also contact the Events and Promotions Manager, Christine Phillips for assistance.

Travel grants and registration fee waivers

We have a limited number of travel grants and registration fee waivers available. You must submit an abstract by 25 January 2027 to be considered. 

PhD students and early career researchers with fewer than 5 years' experience since completing their PhD may request a travel grant and/or a registration fee waiver when submitting an abstract. This can be extended to researchers with more than 5 years' experience if they are based in a country that is classed as low- or middle-income by the World Bank, and would be unable to attend without a travel grant. We expect the process to be competitive.

Travel grants and registration fee waivers will be awarded based on the scientific merit of the abstract submitted. The financial need of the applicant will also be taken into account. 

To apply for a travel grant and/or registration fee waiver, in addition to your abstract you must submit:

• A brief (no more than 200 word) statement indicating your reasons for wishing to attend and how you hope the meeting will enhance your career/research.

• A CV, which includes academic details, publication history, presentations given, awards and any other information to support your application.

• A supporting letter from a scientist who has agreed to act as a reference for your application. This can also be emailed directly to np-events@lancaster.ac.uk by 25 January 2027.  (If you are only applying for a registration fee waiver you do not need to provide a supporting letter.)

If you have any questions, please contact the Events and Promotions Manager, Christine Phillips

If you plan to attend the symposium regardless of whether you are awarded a travel grant and/or registration fee waiver, you should not to wait until the outcome of your travel grant application to register, as there are limited places at this event. To defer your registration fee payment, you can select the option to pay by invoice or send a payment link to another person (which can be yourself), and the payment can be delayed until after the travel grant applications are reviewed.

Should your application be successful, any registration fees paid will be refunded, or your registration fee can be added to your travel grant reimbursement.

Claiming a travel grant or travel contribution

When a travel grant, sometimes referred to as a travel contribution, has been awarded, the payment of the travel grant will not be issued until after the event.

The New Phytologist Foundation will have set a specific amount for the travel grant. No receipts are required to claim the travel grant. This allows the travel grant recipient to arrange their travel to best suit their needs.

Where possible, we encourage travel grant recipients to combine their travel to the event with other activities to make better use of the carbon footprint of attending the meeting.

The payment of a travel grant can be to the recipient's institution, or to their personal bank account, and will be made by a bank transfer. Travel grant recipients will receive a link to a secure form to provide their bank details to arrange the payment of the travel grant. Institutions may send an invoice for the amount of the travel grant to The New Phytologist Foundation. Please contact np-finance@lancaster.ac.uk with any questions about invoices.

If paying for their travel in advance will cause the attendee to experience a significant financial burden, or if the attendee will have difficulty in receiving a bank transfer from the UK, please contact the Events and Promotions Manager to discuss alternative options.

If the delegate is unable to attend the event, generally the travel grant will not be paid. Delegates are encouraged to take out travel insurance to cover them should they be unable to attend. Any request for a travel grant to be paid following non-attendance will need to be approved by the Executive Editor. We will request confirmation of travel expenses with receipts in these circumstances, as well as proof that the travel costs could not be refunded.

Please visit the dedicated programme page. This programme is subject to change.

Additional speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts.

Invited speakers

Symposium venue

The symposium will take place at the John Innes Centre (JIC).

Address: The John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK

https://www.jic.ac.uk/research-impact/scientific-facilities/conference-centre/

Getting to the John Innes Centre

Please see further information on traveling to venue on the John Innes Centre website.

Travel to Norwich

By air

Norwich has a small international airport that has several direct flights a day from Amsterdam, allowing connections worldwide with KLM and Skyteam partner airlines.

Many international travellers will fly into a London airport and then take a train to Norwich. Here are some approximate travel times from various airports to Norwich train station

• Stansted Airport: 2 hours

• London City: 2 hours

• London Heathrow: 2.5 hours

• London Gatwick: 3 hours

Note from the organisers, Heathrow is often the simplest London airport to connect with Norwich. From Heathrow you can take the Elizabeth Line Underground directly to London Liverpool Street station for a connecting train to Norwich.

By Train

The nearest train station is Norwich, which has regular direct trains to London (London Liverpool Street) and Stansted Airport.

Note: trains to Norwich will depart from London Liverpool Street, not to be confused with trains to Liverpool the city

Full address: Bishopsgate, London, Greater London, EC2M 7PY

Please see nationalrail.co.uk for further information on trains to Norwich. This includes a journey planner to help plan your trip. Advance tickets are generally available 12 weeks in advance.

From Norwich train station a taxi will take about 25-35 minutes to the JIC or approximately 40 minutes by bus. 

By bus

From the train station the 26 network bus is the most direct route from the train station to the JIC, and departs every 30 minutes during the day.  From the city centre the 26 network stops at "Red Lion Street", and has a dedeicated "John Innes Centre" stop.

You can also take the 11/11A/12 bus from the from Castle Meadow stop CV in the city centre which departs more frequently, but drops your off at"Colney Lane" stop, which is then a 7-10 minute walk to the John Innes Centre.

Further information on buses around Norwich is available on the First Bus website

By car

If you plan to drive, there is parking at the JIC.  Please indicate when registering if you will need a parking space, and we’ll provide further information in due course. 

By taxi

There is a taxi rank at the train station, or you can pre-book a taxi. Uber also operates in the area. Please note that taxis can often be busy during the morning rush hour between 8am and 8.30am. We will provide a more detailed list of local taxis nearer the symposium.

VISAs and entry to the UK

It is the attendees responsibility to check the entry requirements for their nationality. You can check if you need a visa on the UK visa and immigration visa check page.   

Applying for a visa

If you require a visa to enter the UK, we strongly suggest you apply three months prior to the start of the symposium.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 

Foreign nationals not traveling on a visa may need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their trip. For the full list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA, please visit: the UK Governments's ETA advice pages 

ETA application process: Applications can be submitted through the 'UK ETA' app, available on the Google Play and Apple App Store, or via the official UK government website.

Caution: there are fraudulent sites, please make sure you are using the official UK government site, starting with gov.uk.

Cost and validity: An ETA costs £20 and is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple visits to the UK, lasting up to six months.

Processing time: While most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes, it's advisable to apply at least three working days before your intended travel date to accommodate any additional processing time required.

Exemptions: British and Irish citizens and travellers with a valid UK visa do not require an ETA.

For comprehensive information or to apply for an ETA, please visit the official UK government website.

Visa invitation letters

Please ensure you have checked whether you require a visa to enter the UK (see 'Visas and entry to the UK'). The New Phytologist Foundation can supply a letter of invitation to support a visa application once the attendee has registered and paid their full registration fee or has been awarded a fee waiver.

You can request a visa invitation letter when registering, and you will then be sent a secure form to provide your passport information.

Visa letters are generally produced following the decision on submitted abstract, so that we can include if the attendee has been selected to present a poster or give an oral presentation.

Accommodation

Norwich has a number of options for accommodation. Please note that delegates, selected speakers and poster presenters should book their own accommodation. Only invited speakers and invited guests have accommodation provided as part of their registration, and these details will be confirmed with them when registering, or updated by contacting the Events and Promotions Manager at: np-events@lancaster.ac.uk

Accommodation for Invited speakers will be provided at Premier Inn, Norwich City Centre (Duke St), full address: Duke Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3AP. Please note this hotel is a 15-25 minute taxi from the John Innes Centre. Invited speakers should reference their invited speaker information document sent to them by the Events and Promotions Manager for further details on accommodation arrangements

Additional accommodation options:

The closest accommodation to the symposium venue is the Broadview hotel, run by the University of East Anglia, located approximately a 20-25 minute walk to the JIC.

Address: UEA Broadview Hotel, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ

Delegates can use the code "NPS49" for a 10% discount on a room.

Please note that this hotel does not provide breakfast, and should there be a concert at the University, it may be noisy.

Annesley House Hotel
Address: 6 Newmarket Road, Norwich, NR2 2LA
A 10-15 minute drive to the JIC, or a 30-minute bus journey including walking time.

The George Hotel
Address: 10 Arlington Ln, Newmarket Rd, Norwich NR2 2DA, UK
A 10-15 minute drive to the JIC, or a 30-minute bus journey including walking time.

Dunston Hall
Address: Dunston Hall, Ipswich Rd, Norwich NR14 8PQ
A 13-15 minute drive to the JIC (note there is no public transport option)

Maids Head Hotel
Address: Maids Head Hotel, 20 Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1LB
A 15-30 minute drive (traffic dependent), or a 30-45 minute bus journey including walking time.
Please note this hotel may have limited availability.

The Georgian Townhouse
Address: 30–34 Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2RB
A 15-25 minute drive (traffic dependent), or a 35-45 minute bus journey including walking time.

Scam accommodation emails

The New Phytologist Foundation is aware that third-party companies are targeting New Phytologist Symposium speakers and attendees with a fraudulent travel and hotel booking scheme.

Other organisations have also reported this scam, which targets conferences where the list of speakers/poster presenters is publicly available.

Please be aware that the New Phytologist Foundation does not work with any third-party accommodation partners to book accommodation or travel for delegates or speakers. We have not provided your details to any third-party, or authorised any third-party to contact you.

Any communication about the symposium will be done directly with delegates and speakers and the Events and Promotions Manager (Christine Phillips) or other Central Office staff, using np-events@lancaster.ac.uk, or np-finance@lancaster.ac.uk, or using our registration platform Oxford Abstracts, which will still have a reply email of np-events@lancaster.ac.uk. 

Please be aware that any third-party contacting delegates about New Phytologist Symposia accommodation or travel is a scam designed to obtain your credit card information and/or make inflated charges to your credit card. Please exercise extreme caution if contacted by any third-party. We recommend that you do NOT give out your credit card number, personal information, or any details about your hotel reservation. We are aware that speakers and attendees that have given their credit card information have incurred substantial credit card charges (cancellation fees, service fees, etc).

If you receive a phone call or email from a company offering a hotel and travel booking service please forward the information to  np-events@lancaster.ac.uk.

You can also report the email to your IT department as fraud and/or a phishing email. This may help to prevent further people being targeted at your institution.

If you are based in the UK, you can report scams and phishing emails to the UK National Cyber Security Centre.

If you are based in the EU, you can report fraud to the European Anti-Fraud Office.

If you are based in the USA, you can report Cyber-Enabled Frauds and Scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Centre.

Invited speakers should refer to their invited speaker information document sent to them by the Events and Promotions Manager for additional details.

Timings for talks

Invited speakers have been allocated 20-25 minutes for their talk and 5-10 minutes for Q&A (30 minutes total).

Selected speakers have been allocated 10 minutes for their talk and 5 minutes for Q&A (15 minutes total).

The chairs will strictly keep to time, so please assist them by keeping your talk within the allocated time.

Presentation slides

To ensure things run smoothly we will be presenting all slides from a dedicated computer. You will have a clicker to advance your slides.

We suggest that for a 10-minute presentation, you should have around 10 slides, and for a 20-25 minute presentation you should have around 20-30 slides. 

Please send your slides by Wednesday 19 May 2027

Please provide your slides as PowerPoint files with a 16:9 slide aspect ratio. If you cannot provide PowerPoint files, please let us know by 12 May 2027 so we can provide assistance in converting your slides. If you plan to use speaker notes within PowerPoint, we encourage you to bring a print-out as a back-up in case these do not display properly.  If you have prepared your slides on a Mac, please advise us, as there can sometimes be formatting discrepancies that affect graphs and large images.

A template with a title slide and ending question slide will be provided in due course, to allow you to add your slides.

If your files are larger than 15 MB, please upload to OneDrive or send via an alternative file sharing service. Please note that if you have any video files in your presentation, you should send these as separate files as well as embedding them in your presentation.

We will provide a link to a OneDrive folder to upload your slides from approximately 1 month before the symposium.

Making last-minute changes to your presentation

Please note that all presentation files will be loaded into a central slide deck and presented from a central laptop for each session, to ensure things run smoothly. This means that making last-minute changes to your slides will be difficult. For any essential minor corrections, we can make emergency last-minute corrections up to the day before your presentation, please clearly state which slides need replacing.

These changes should be uploaded to OneDrive AND given in-person to the Events and Promotions Manager, Christine Phillips at the venue. Please check with Christine that they have been received and ideally be present to check your slide deck 10 minutes before your session starts, or at the end of the day before your talk.

AV information

Full details of the AV set-up are still being confirmed; however, speakers will need to ensure that they use the provided microphones during their talks.

Poster information

Delegates should bring their printed poster with them. Posters will be displayed from the first day of the Symposium and will remain up for the duration of the Symposium. There will be several dedicated poster sessions and each poster presenters will be allocated to one of the sessions.  Sessions and poster numbers will be confirmed in due course. Please note that you do not need to include your poster number on your printed poster.

Want advice on creating a good poster? Watch a webinar with New Phytologist Editors on communicating your research.

Poster guidelines

• Posters should be portrait, no larger than A0 (84cm by 119cm), or 3ft by 4ft (92cm by 122cm).

• Good posters should present complex information in a clear and concise way. Posters that present information well will have graphics with large, clear fonts and images, and attractive backgrounds.

• The text and figures should be readable from a distance of at least one metre. The text presented should be precise and structured with a logical flow to the information.

• Posters should concentrate on focused problems, innovative solutions, rigorous methodologies, and should be significant contributions to the meeting.

One tip to make bringing your poster with you easier is that you can ask for your poster to be printed on fabric, which will allow for it to be folded into your luggage. We will have an iron available on-site.

Suggestions of places delegates can get their posters printed locally in advance will be provided in due course. Please note that if you are planning to get your poster printed locally, we recommend that you have send it to be printed at least 10 days prior to the symposium.

Poster competition

Prizes will be awarded for the best posters. All registered delegates can vote for the best poster, with a prize of £200 for the top poster and £100 for a runner up.

Travel contributions

The New Phytologist Foundation will provide a travel contribution/grant to invited speakers. Some selected speakers and poster presenters may also be awarded travel grants to assist in their attendance. The amount of your grant will be confirmed in your invitation letter/email or in your abstract acceptance email. Travel grant awardees should book their own travel or have their institution book it for them. We do not require receipts, and you are welcome to combine your trip to the UK with other travel plans to make the best use of your travel carbon footprint.

Following your attendance at the symposium, we will send you a secure online form to provide your bank details to be reimbursed. If your institution paid for your travel, they may invoice us for the amount of your travel grant. Please get in touch to request our invoice details. We aim to pay travel grants as soon as possible after the symposium, but payments may take 4 – 6 weeks to process following receipt of the recipient's bank details. If you require alternative travel contribution arrangements, please get in touch.

Catering

Lunch and refreshment breaks will be provided during the symposium as per the programme.  When registering, you can advise us if you have any dietary requirements.  Please ensure you advise us of any allergies or intolerances.

Symposium dinner

On the evening of Wednesday 26 May 2027, we will host a symposium dinner for all delegates at The Assembly House in the city centre.  Further details will be provided in due course about the symposium dinner.  Attendees will be asked to select a starter, main course and dessert nearer the time of the Symposium.

Address: The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1RQ.

On other nights of the symposium you are free to explore the many restaurants of Norwich.   Visit Norwich has many suggestions of place to eat in the city centre. 

Below we set out some frequent questions that participants have. If your question is not listed below, please contact the Events and Promotions Manager.

Please also ensure you have read The New Phytologist Foundation code of conduct for events

This will be updated with further information in due course.