In September 2025, HelEx was represented at the Young Scientists Meeting 2025 in Quedlinburg, organised by the Julius Kühn-Institut as a forum for early-career researchers in agricultural and plant sciences. The meeting is a highly visible opportunity for PhD students and young scientists to present their work and receive feedback from a broad expert audience.
Salena Husband (JKI) presented HelEx results on how different sunflower hybrids affect Bombus terrestris colony development, focusing on the quality of pollen and nectar as drivers of bumble bee health. Her presentation was awarded the prize for best oral presentation, a recognition of both the scientific quality of the work and the clarity with which HelEx’s message was conveyed.
This award is meaningful for HelEx because it highlights that the project’s work on pollinator-friendly sunflower breeding is not only scientifically solid but also resonates with the next generation of plant and bee scientists. These are the very people who will take HelEx insights forward in their future research and careers.
