Welcome to another edition of the Robigalia Roundup!
If you’re new here, Robigalia is your weekly roundup of the latest research, researchers, scholarships, and opportunities in plant pathology globally. Make sure you’re a subscriber to have these opportunities and events delivered directly to your inbox every Monday.
NOTES FROM THE HOST
Hello {{first_name | Robigalia readers}},
Today’s newsletter will be the final newsletter for 2025.
A massive thank you to the THOUSANDS of you who joined the newsletter this year.
It has been wonderful getting to know some of you personally, and thank you all for the feedback throughout the year.
I have some big ideas for 2026, and I will announce new opportunities in the first 2026 newsletter on the 12th January.
I will keep the job, scholarship, and event boards updated until then; please check them regularly.
Before we move on, the APAARI, CABI, CIHEAM Bari, the Euphresco III network, ISF, and the PBRI have launched the fifth edition of the video contest ‘Plant Health TV’.
Open to entrants globally, this year’s theme is ‘Promoting the importance of plant health research for food security’.
The winning video will be broadcast at international events celebrating the 2026 International Day of Plant Health.
The winner of the contest will be invited to attend an international plant health conference, and the award will cover transportation, lodging, meals, and conference fees.
Guidelines for participating in the video contest and relevant documents are available on the Euphresco site.
Now, onto this week’s edition:
I share updates on the population genetics of rust fungi
I share an opportunity to feature yourself and your work in Robigalia
I highlight 1 new Master’s scholarship, 7 new jobs, and 2 new events
Let’s dive in!
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Progress on the population genetics of rust fungi
June Clary et al., Population structure and genetic diversity of Phakopsora pachyrhizi in the Southeastern United States
Paula A. Gomez-Zapata et al., Mating Type Gene Divergence is Associated with Life Cycle Differentiation in Scots Pine Blister Rust
Elena I. Gultyaeva et al., Structural Variability of the Wheat Leaf Rust Pathogen Puccinia triticina in Russia in 2019–2024
PLANT PATHOLOGIST OF THE WEEK
Be featured in 2026!
As I close out the 2025 newsletter, I’m putting out a call for plant pathologist of the week features for 2026.
Whether you're an early-career researcher making waves, a technician supporting ongoing research, or a seasoned scientist with stories to share, there's space for your voice.
Why be featured?
The weekly roundups reach more than 8,000 plant pathologists worldwide through our newsletter and social media platforms.
It's exposure within a community that genuinely cares about the science and the people behind it.
What I’m looking for:
→ Plant pathologists at any career stage
→ Diverse backgrounds and specialisations
→ Stories that inspire, inform, or spark conversation
Features are already scheduled through the start of May 2026, so please submit your details as soon as possible to avoid missing out! 👇
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
New plant pathology opportunities are listed below. For the full list of live opportunities and events, head to my Opportunities and Events Board using the buttons below.
New Scholarships
Master’s - bioeconomics, climate risk, and pest & disease modelling, The Adelaide University Forestry Centre of Excellence, South Australia, Closes 16th February 2026
New Jobs
Plant Pathologist, Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry, Perth, Western Australia, Closes 2nd January 2026
Junior Specialist/Siddique Lab, UC Davis, United States, Closes 7th January 2026
Postdoctoral Researcher (Carella Group), John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom, Closes 18th January 2026
Predoctoral internship – Nobori Lab, The Sinsbury Laboratory, Norwich, United Kingdom, Closes 26th January 2026
Internship, Enza Zaden, Perak, Malaysia, Apply ASAP
Postdoc scholarship: Population and functional genomics of biocontrol fungi, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, Closes 5th February 2026
Assistant Professor - Fruit Crop Entomology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, United States, Closes 15th February 2026
New Events/Seminars
Australian Soilborne Diseases Symposium 2026, September 14, 2026 → September 18, 2026, Melbourne, Australia
University of Florida Plant Science Symposium, January 20, 2026 → January 21, 2026, Gainesville, Florida
MEME OF THE WEEK
THAT’S A WRAP
Before you go: here are 3 ways we can help each other
1) List a scholarship, job, or event in Robigalia — We help you advertise your opportunity or event to a global network of plant pathologists for free.
2) Book a Robigalia coaching call — Whether it’s career advice, assistance with an application or general advice, you can check my schedule to book in some time with me.
3) Support Robigalia - Support the ongoing production and distribution of the Robigalia newsletter through Patreon.
See you next Monday
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P.S. Why Robigalia? The name originates from the Ancient Roman festival dedicated to crop protection. You can read all about the history here: