Close-up of gloved hands examining dark soil and fine grass roots, calm greens and browns, clinical documentary mood
Organization

Organizing Committee

The teams behind Rhizosphere 4 — the soil ecology and rhizosphere conference held at the Maastricht Conference Center (MECC), 21–25 June 2015.

About  ›  Organization

Who ran the conference

Rhizosphere 4 was prepared by an Organizing Committee supported by an Advisory Board, with the Center for Soil Ecology among the organizing bodies. Together they set the scientific programme, convened the parallel sessions, and coordinated the venue, social programme and communications.

Day-to-day enquiries for delegates were handled by the Rhizosphere 4 Secretariat in Wageningen, while abstract and submission questions went to a dedicated address.

The organizing committee for this conference brought together a diverse group of scientists and researchers dedicated to advancing the study of the hidden world beneath our feet. With expertise spanning multiple disciplines, these individuals collaborated to shape a program that would highlight the latest discoveries in rhizosphere science. Their work involved careful planning of sessions, selection of speakers, and coordination of the many moving parts that make a large international gathering successful. The team's collective passion for soil ecology and plant-microbe interactions drove every decision, ensuring that attendees would experience a rich, engaging, and scientifically rigorous event.

Supporting the organizing committee was an advisory board composed of respected figures from the global soil science community. These advisors provided guidance on the scientific direction of the conference, helping to identify emerging topics and key researchers whose work deserved attention. Their input helped ensure that the program remained balanced, forward-looking, and representative of the field's diversity. By drawing on the wisdom and experience of this advisory group, the conference was able to maintain a high standard of scientific quality while also fostering connections between established experts and early-career researchers who represent the future of rhizosphere studies.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated secretariat handled the daily operations that kept the conference running smoothly. From managing delegate inquiries and registration logistics to coordinating communications and venue arrangements, this team ensured that participants could focus on the science rather than administrative details. The secretariat served as the primary point of contact for attendees, offering assistance with everything from travel questions to session scheduling. Their efficient and friendly support contributed significantly to the overall experience of the conference, creating an environment where meaningful scientific exchange could flourish without unnecessary distractions.

Committees and support

Organizing Committee

Responsible for delivering the conference: programme structure, sessions and poster pitches, roundtables, the social programme and on-site operation at MECC in Maastricht.

Advisory Board

Provided scientific guidance on the scope of the meeting, including keynote themes and the twelve parallel session topics spanning symbiosis, microbiome, nutrient acquisition and climate change.

Center for Soil Ecology

One of the organizing bodies behind Rhizosphere 4, anchoring the meeting in soil ecology and plant–microbe interaction research.

Rhizosphere 4 Secretariat

Delegate-facing point of contact for registration, accommodation and general information, operating from P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, the Netherlands.

Contact the organizers

Questions about the conference, its programme or the work of the committees were directed to the Secretariat.

Postal addressP.O Box 50, 6700 AB Wageningen, the Netherlands
Telephone0031 (0) 317 473466
Secretariat e-mailrhizo4@rhizo4.org
Submission enquiriessubmissions@rhizo4.org

See the Contact page for full details and the About page for the conference series background.

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