Save the date
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The University of the West Indies
St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago
The International Society for Tropical Roots, Tubers and Bananas (ISTRTB) warmly invites you to its 21st symposium, taking place from 5–12 November 2028 at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago.
The symposium will bring together researchers, development partners, industry leaders, producers, extension specialists, students and colleagues working across tropical roots, tubers and bananas. It will provide an international platform to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, discuss emerging challenges and develop collaborative solutions.
A special welcome to the banana and plantain community
The 2028 symposium will mark the global banana and plantain community’s first official participation in ISTRTB. These crops play a vital role in food security, nutrition, livelihoods, international trade and sustainable agricultural development. We invite colleagues from around the world to help shape the future of banana production and utilisation.
Why attend?
Exchange ideas, explore new developments and build connections across the tropical roots, tubers and banana community.
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Share your research
Present and discuss your latest findings, experiences and innovations with an international audience.
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Discover new advances
Learn about developments in banana science, production, sustainability, processing and value chains.
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Meet the international community
Engage with leading scientists, industry experts, policymakers and development organisations.
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Build lasting partnerships
Explore international collaborations and strengthen professional relationships across disciplines.
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Experience Trinidad & Tobago
Discover the rich culture, biodiversity and hospitality of the Caribbean.
Research and innovation
The invitation highlights opportunities to share knowledge on advances in:
- Banana breeding, genetics and genomics
- Agronomy and crop protection
- Sustainability
- Postharvest biology
- Processing and value chains
Whether you work in research, extension, commercial production, policy, value chain development or education, you are warmly invited to take part.
Beyond the symposium
Become part of the ISTRTB community
Participation in the symposium automatically includes ISTRTB membership. Connect with a global community advancing tropical crop research and innovation.
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Global networking
Connect with experts working across tropical roots, tubers, bananas and related crops.
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Scientific exchange
Keep up with research, technology and innovation through society activities and communications.
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Professional development
Develop collaborations, mentor young scientists and build relationships across continents.
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Conference participation
Receive information on symposia, workshops, publications and other society activities.
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Early-career support
Help develop the next generation through training, networking and knowledge sharing.
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Global impact
Contribute to sustainable production, food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
Join us in November 2028
We invite you to attend, share your research and experiences, and engage with colleagues from around the world. We look forward to welcoming you to Trinidad & Tobago.
Contact us View invitation (PDF)21st ISTRTB 2028 Organising Committee
International Society for Tropical Roots, Tubers and Bananas
The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
Invitation issued 25 September 2026.