Australian Plant Phenomics Network
In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN; previously Australian Plant Phenomics Facility) at the University of Adelaide and the European Infrastructure for Plant Phenotyping (EMPHASIS), previously coordinated at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. This agreement formalized their commitment to collaborate towards global advancements in plant phenotyping.
The partnership will foster greater research efficiency by creating standardized profiles for experiment documentation and data, sharing technical innovations, promoting project cooperation, and minimizing research duplication. The MoU sets joint principles and standards that will benefit plant science communities in both Europe and Australia.
University of Adelaide Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Anton Middelberg, emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing in advancing plant phenomics. APPF CEO Richard Dickmann expressed excitement about the partnership’s potential benefits for Australian farmers and agricultural research careers. EMPHASIS coordinator Professor Ulrich Schurr highlighted the successful history of collaboration between Australia and Europe in plant phenotyping and looks forward to strengthening ties between the two communities.
During 2024 and 2025, the two infrastructures have hosted high-level visits at their nodes to engage in detailed discussions and plan concrete future collaboration activities.
The strengthened partnership was also highlighted at the International Conference for Research Infrastructures (ICRI 2024) in Brisbane, where representatives from both EMPHASIS and APPN participated in a breakout session titled “How RI is Supporting Sustainable Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development.” The session provided a platform for both organizations to showcase their ongoing efforts and collaborative initiatives in advancing sustainable agriculture and plant phenotyping.
November 2025 saw a joint publication, titled “The future role of regional research infrastructures and networks toward the global plant phenotyping community” co-authored by senior leaders of EMPHASIS, APPN, the International Plant Phenotyping Network and the North American Plant Phenotyping Network.
The two infrastructures look forward to continued cooperation to drive innovation and enhance global cooperation in plant phenotyping research, with the aim of improving agricultural productivity and sustainability worldwide.
