The human face of plant pathology

Where global science meets shared purpose

The 13th International Congress of Plant Pathology will bring the world’s plant health community together on the Gold Coast from 19–25 August 2028.

At a time of rising pressure on food systems, ecosystems and the next generation of scientists, ICPP 2028 will create the space to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives and develop the collaborations our field needs.

Experience ICPP 2028
13thInternational Congress
19–25 August2028
Gold CoastQueensland, Australia
A warm welcome

An invitation from our Congress leaders

Our Congress Convenor and ISPP President invite the international plant pathology community to Queensland in 2028.

Andrew Geering Convenor’s welcome

Andrew Geering

Vice President (Congress), International Society for Plant Pathology

It is with pleasure that we invite you to attend the 13th International Congress of Plant Pathology during 19–25 August 2028 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

It is predicted that the global population will reach 9.7 billion people by 2050, placing intense pressure on food supply chains. Half of the world’s population will reside in the tropics due to rapid population growth in this region, and tropical climes will have expanded poleward due to global warming. It is therefore apt that ICPP 2028 will be held for the very first time in a subtropical zone.

We are planning a diverse and stimulating program of talks, workshops, technical tours and social networking events. Think of any crop and it is likely to be grown in Australia—from apples to mangoes and wheat to sugarcane. There will be Congress sessions that cater for every plant pathology interest.

August is the perfect time to visit the Gold Coast, with comfortable temperatures and typically blue, sunny skies. Hotel and dining options are available within walking distance of the Convention Centre, while world heritage rainforest and the southern Great Barrier Reef are within reach.

Australians are famous for organising world-class events. We look forward to extending our hospitality to you in 2028.

Yong-Hwan Lee President’s welcome

Yong-Hwan Lee

President, International Society for Plant Pathology

On behalf of the International Society for Plant Pathology, I invite you to attend the 13th International Congress of Plant Pathology on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia from 19–25 August 2028.

The importance of plant pathology has become more significant than ever for food security due to population growth and climate change. To address these challenges effectively, it is essential that we work together and translate knowledge from the basic sciences of plant pathology into robust platforms for disease management.

ICPP is the world’s largest Congress on plant pathology and has served as a global forum for sharing research updates and facilitating collaboration among scientists around the world. The Australasian Plant Pathology Society, our host for ICPP 2028, is developing an exciting and enriching program including scientific talks, Satellite Meetings, technical tours and social events.

Your presence and active participation will undoubtedly contribute to the success of ICPP 2028. I look forward to seeing you in Queensland, Australia in August 2028.

Welcome to the Gold Coast

A global Congress in an extraordinary place

Discover the destination where the international plant pathology community will meet, connect and look ahead to the future of plant health.

Queensland, Australia

Scientific exchange, subtropical landscapes and Australian hospitality come together in 2028.

Why ICPP 2028 matters

Plant health has never mattered more

Global change is reshaping the challenges facing plants, people and the environments on which we depend. ICPP 2028 is a chance to address them together.

01

Protecting food security

Plant pathogens remain major causes of crop loss as a growing global population places greater pressure on food and fibre supply chains.

02

Responding to global change

Climate change and increased movement of people and commodities are accelerating the emergence and spread of plant disease.

03

Building new solutions

Changing pesticide efficacy and increasing environmental expectations demand innovative, durable approaches to disease management.

04

Growing the next generation

Mentoring emerging plant pathologists and connecting them with a truly global community is central to the future of the discipline.

One Congress. A world of perspectives.

Designed for discovery and connection

ICPP is the world’s largest Congress dedicated to plant pathology. In 2028, a diverse program will connect foundational science with practical solutions across crops, ecosystems, regions and career stages.

For the first time, the Congress will be held in a subtropical zone—an ideal setting to consider the changing geography of food production, plant disease and climate.

01Scientific talksResearch, ideas and perspectives from across the field
02Symposia and Satellite MeetingsFocused discussion within specialist communities
03Workshops and technical toursHands-on learning and insight into Australian plant systems
04Global networkingNew connections across disciplines, regions and generations
With the support of

Our destination partners

Tourism and Events Queensland
Tourism Australia
Experience Gold Coast
Now open

Help shape the ICPP 2028 experience

Two proposal opportunities are now open for the global plant pathology community.