The ICAR conference is centered on all aspects of modern plant biology using thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) as a model system. The conference regularly brings together over 800 scientists from all corners of the world for five days to discuss all aspects of molecular plant science from research on plant growth and development to improving plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. ICAR has so far has not been organized in northern Europe. Thus, bringing ICAR2018 to Turku in Finland will be a premiere for the Nordic Countries. Finland traditionally has strong molecular plant biology with teams in Helsinki concentrating on plant development and plant responses to the environment, Oulu focusing on population studies, while Turku is leading in research on photosynthesis. Price: Standard participant: EUR 650. Speakers: Alison Smith, Tetsuya Higashiyama, Dominique Bergmann. Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.