We kicked off the fourth annual FORGENIUS meeting with a field trip to a Genetic Conservation Unit (GCU) with poplar trees along the Danube. What else could we ask for? Good weather. We had that, too. A cold yet sunny Austrian weather in a wonderful landscape and tons of mistletoes (invading only the hybrid poplars apparently).
After the field trip, we moved to the BFW premises in Vienna, located right next to the Schönbrunn Palace, for two full days of presentations and discussions on the results of the FORGENIUS project, as it enters its final year. We discussed how remote sensing and ecophysiology meet genetics and how these can be blended. This blend gives us a unique insight on how to better characterize forest genetic resources using different indicators which are part of the upgraded EUFGIS information system.
Although this might seem like the end, it’s only the beginning. The EUFGIS Information system and all the FORGENIUS outcomes will be showcased at the Final Conference, organized in collaboration with the EVOLTREE Conference, from 17-20 November 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Until then… stay tuned!