members – people who would otherwise be beyond the reach of 
an early career researcher like myself” she notes, highlighting the 
importance of these exchanges for academics who may otherwise 
remain at a distance from applied contexts.
A SECTOR THAT FEELS LIKE A COMMUNITY
One of the most striking impressions for participants is how con­
nected the seed sector feels. De Kinderen recalls asking a simple but 
revealing question during the Forum: how do companies differen­
tiate themselves, and why she should choose one over another? The 
answer she received was unexpected.
“It wouldn’t matter that much for which company I eventually 
choose to work for. As long as you stay connected to the seed sector it 
is one big family in the end.” That sense of community, even among 
competitors, left a lasting impression. It also helped demystify the 
sector for newcomers. “What a small world the seed sector actu­
ally is, with many long-term connections and collaborations,” she 
reflects.
At the same time, both participants point to a shared challenge: 
the perceived gap between academia and practice. Conversations at 
the Forum helped bring that into focus.
“To many fellow researchers, academic work sometimes feels 
disconnected from reality,” de Kinderen says. “Talking to people 
working in the sector makes you realise how your work can be prac­
tically implemented.”
Langdon echoes this idea, referring to the well-known “Valley 
of Death” between academic discovery and real-world application. 
For her, initiatives like the NextGen Forum are part of the solution. 
“It is so important to provide a space for young academics and seed 
sector representatives to meet and speak plainly in the same room. 
Both groups are working on similar topics and issues in the seed 
sector, and together we can utilise each other’s expertise and find 
answers to the same problems. It is those personal connections that 
make all the difference. As the old saying goes, ‘it’s who you know’ 
and this forum helps provide this opportunity,” she says.
FROM CONVERSATIONS TO OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond insights and inspiration, the Forum can also deliver tangible 
outcomes. For de Kinderen, a single conversation led directly to a 
career opportunity. “One of the professionals made HR aware of 
my existence,” she explains. “Their company approached me with a 
vacancy for which I have an interview this week.”
It is a small example with a big message. Networking, often 
seen as abstract or daunting, can translate quickly into real possibil­
ities. The experience also had a lasting effect on how she approaches 
her professional development. “It inspired me to do more networking 
at home,” she says. “It made me motivated to visit similar but smaller 
scale events… to build up a network in the plant sector.”
BUILDING THE FORUM’S FUTURE
As the NextGen Forum prepares for its 2026 edition, participants 
already have ideas for how it could evolve. A recurring theme is 
interactivity. While the opportunity to ask questions is valued, there 
is appetite for more structured, smaller group exchanges.
“Maybe we could be split up into groups, so you generate more 
personal interactions,” suggests de Kinderen, noting that this could 
help quieter participants engage more comfortably. Langdon pro­
poses formats such as poster sessions, flash talks or even “speed 
dating” style networking to deepen connections and encourage more 
active participation. 
These suggestions reflect the Forum’s growing ambition. As it 
expands, maintaining its openness while increasing opportunities 
for meaningful interaction will be key.
LOOKING AHEAD TO VALENCIA
Applications for the 2026 NextGen Forum are open from May 
to September, with confirmations expected in early October. 
Participants will be selected based on their academic background, 
motivation and potential to benefit from the experience. As part of 
the programme, three traineeship opportunities will also be offered 
in collaboration with partner organisations.
For students and early-career researchers passionate about plant 
science, agriculture and innovation, the invitation is clear: step into 
the conversation, meet the people behind the sector, and discover 
where you might belong. If the experiences of last year’s participants 
are any indication, the NextGen Forum could become a gateway to 
new connections and helping build the next generation legacy of 
the seed sector. 
MAY 2026  |  SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE  I  SEED WORLD EUROPE   I   35
Mollie Langdon, postdoctoral researcher at Rothamsted Research.
Maud de Kinderen, PhD candidate in mechanistic biology at the University 
of York.

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.