23rd EAPR Triennial Conference to Highlight Sustainable Potato Production in Edinburgh

Registration and abstract submissions are now open for the 23rd Triennial Conference of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), which will bring together more than 300 potato scientists, researchers and industry professionals in Edinburgh in 2027.

The EAPR conference has a long history dating back to 1960, when the first Triennial Conference was held in Brunswick-Volkenrode, Germany. Since then, potato science and production have undergone significant changes, with advances in breeding, production, crop protection, storage and utilisation transforming the sector. 

The EAPR aims to promote the exchange of scientific and technical information covering all aspects of potato research and production between countries in Europe and around the world.

The 23rd conference will be held over four days at the University of Edinburgh’s historic McEwan Hall, located in the centre of Edinburgh. Under the theme “Sustainable Potato Production for a Changing World,” the programme will feature keynote presentations, parallel scientific sessions and excursions.

More than 300 delegates are expected to attend from the UK, across Europe and internationally, providing an opportunity for researchers, scientists and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, share ideas and present new research findings.

As Director of the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), Ian Toth, who is also President of the EAPR, said his aim is to work closely with UK scientists conducting potato research and industry partners to ensure research addresses the needs of the sector.

The conference is particularly significant for NPIC, which is helping organise the Triennial Conference and bring together potato scientists and industry professionals from across Europe and beyond. The event will provide a platform for developing solutions to the challenges facing the production of potatoes, described as Europe’s second most important food crop.

The organisers are inviting scientists, researchers, practitioners and industry representatives to participate in the conference and contribute to discussions on the future of sustainable potato production.

Registration and participation

With the potato sector facing growing challenges from environmental change, production pressures and the need for greater sustainability, the 23rd EAPR Triennial Conference will provide an important international forum for sharing research and developing practical solutions. 

Organisers are looking forward to welcoming delegates to Edinburgh in 2027 for four days of scientific exchange, collaboration and discussion focused on the future of potato production.