The International Association of
Botanical and Mycological Societies (IABMS)
International Botanical Congress for 2029
The International Botanical Congress (IBC)
is the most important interdisciplinary convention of scientists from around the world to discuss new research in the plant sciences, including botany, mycology, phycology, systematics, ecology, paleontology, conservation, ethnobotany, agriculture, horticulture, and related fields. The International Botanical Congress is particularly important because it provides unique opportunities to bring together scientists and students from many countries to share their research. It is an ideal venue to meet new people and develop new collaborations. The rapidly increasing knowledge about plants, including their history, uses, interactions with other organisms, and role in the ecosystem, is becoming more important than ever to the stability and sustainability of the human endeavor and life on Earth. The IBC is the most prestigious international convention for sharing such knowledge.
International Botanical Congresses
are held every six years under the auspices of the International Association of Botanical and Mycological Societies (IABMS) of the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS). IABMS comprises all international organizations with interests in botany and mycology that are scientific members of the International Union of Biological Societies. The previous IBC was held in Madrid, in 2024, organized by many members of the Spanish botanical community. The next Congress will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in July 2029. Selection of the 2035 IBC venue will be ratified at the 2029 IBC.
Announcing the XXI IBC in 2029
The 21st IBC will be held in Cape Town, South Africa in July, 2029. J.S. Boatwright, University of the Western Cape will serve as the Congress President. The Congress website (https://ibccapetown2029.co.za) is available for interested individuals to sign up to receive updated information as it becomes available. Watch the website for information on the call for proposals to organize symposia at the Congress.
Patrick Herendeen, Chair IABMS
pherendeen@chicagobotanic.org, or patrickherendeen@gmail.com
Contacts:
Patrick S. Herendeen, Chair IABMS
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, USA
pherendeen@chicagobotanic.org, patrickherendeen@gmail.com
Jiří Kvaček, Secretary IABMS
Department of Palaeontology, National Museum, Prague, Czechia


