International Bean Improvement Cooperative (BIC) and North American Pulse Improvement Association (NAPIA) Biennial Meeting hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
November 4-6, 2025
Embassy Suites, 1040 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska
The International BIC & NAPIA Biennial Meeting allows members and colleagues worldwide and from diverse disciplines to interact and exchange information on bean and pulse improvement.
The BIC & NAPIA meeting aims to:
- To provide a forum on recent research developments and plans for projects in pulse crops
- Collaborate with scientific and industry leaders from all over the world
- Opportunities for graduate student research
- Help create solutions through innovative and collaborative science
- Connect worldwide
Conference Registration
Registration begins May 1, 2025 and ends August 31. We look forward to seeing you in Lincoln.
REGISTER NOW!
Accomodations
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln
1040 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska
402-474-1111
Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Lincoln International Airport (LNK).
A block of rooms has been secured for $139/night + taxes. Please make your reservation as soon as possible and no later than Oct. 13, 2025, to guarantee a room at this price. Identify yourself as a member of the BIC NAPIA Group.
If all rooms in the block are reserved prior to Oct. 13, you will no longer be able to reserve a room under the group rate.
All reservations must be guaranteed and accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.
Transportation from airports
Lincoln Airport: Hotel has a complementary shuttle from 6:45am – 10:45 pm. Outside of these hours, Uber or Lyft or renting a car is recommended. Please double-check that the rental counter will be open at your scheduled arrival time.
Omaha Airport: OMALNK is a shuttle service from Omaha’s Eppley Airport to Lincoln.
Oral and Poster Abstract Submission
Presentation abstract submission begins May 1, 2025 with a deadline of August 31. Award notifications will take place at the meeting.
SECTION CHAIRS NEEDED!
Please send email to currea2@unl.edu or michelle.hubbard@agr.gc.ca if you would be willing to assist.
POSTERS
- The poster format must be 48" in height x 36" in width.
- The author will bring their poster printed.
- Posters need to be set up beginning at 8 am.
- Poster Session will be from 4 – 5:30 pm. Poster presenters should be present during this time.
Graduate Student Travel Award Opportunity
Graduate students can apply for travel awards of up to $2000. Applications will be due August 10, 2025.
Apply for Travel Award
Workshop: Root Rot in Pulse Crops: New Research, Real Solutions, and Collaborative Strategies
November 6, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual option); in-person attendance preferred
Registration Fee: $20/person (includes lunch and beverages)
Call for Abstracts: Submit via the BIC/NAPIA abstract submission form
Abstract Submission Form
Join leading experts in pulse crop research for a dynamic half-day workshop exploring the latest advances in root rot research and practical solutions for managing this disease complex. Hosted by the Pulse Crop Working Group, this hybrid event seeks to brings together breeders, pathologists, agronomists, extension professionals, and industry stakeholders from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
This collaborative forum is designed to:
- Share current research and field-based insights
- Identify gaps and priorities in root rot management and prevention
- Foster new partnerships in research and outreach
Participants will present brief updates on current research or related topics addressing the impact of root rot on pulse crop production. Sessions will include interactive discussions to spark ideas, share resources, and encourage coordinated efforts moving forward. Whether you're in the lab, in the field, or shaping policy, this is your opportunity to connect, contribute, and help shape the future of root rot management in pulse crops.
Travel Awards: Three travel awards are available to support graduate students and early career professionals attending the BIC/NAPIA meeting and this root rot workshop. Interested applicants should submit a travel award application through the official BIC/NAPIA travel award application form.
Apply for Travel Award
Questions? Contact Uta McKelvy at uta.mckelvy@montana.edu or 406-994-5572 for questions regarding the workshop and PCWG travel awards.
Invited Speakers
Hosts
Juan M. Osorno
Ph.D.
BIC President
Professor, Dry Bean Breeding & Genetics, North Dakota State University, Department of Plant Sciences – Loftsgard Hall, 1360 Albrecht Blv., Fargo-ND, 58108-6050
juan.osorno@ndsu.edu
Tim Porch
Ph.D.
BIC
Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research
Research Geneticist (Plants)
timothy.porch@usda.gov
(787) 831-3435 ext. 254
What is BIC?
The Bean Improvement Cooperative (BIC) is a voluntary and informal organization that was established to affect the exchange of information and materials for improving bean production worldwide. Members include scientists, students, private organizations, and lay-people interested in our mission.
Since its first meeting in 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin, the Bean Improvement Cooperative has held a biennial meeting at which members and colleagues from around the world and from a number of diverse disciplines can interact and exchange information on bean improvement. For more information visit the BIC website.
Juan M. Osorno Ph.D.
BIC President
Professor, Dry Bean Breeding & Genetics, North Dakota State University, Department of Plant Sciences – Loftsgard Hall, 1360 Albrecht Blv., Fargo-ND, 58108-6050
juan.osorno@ndsu.edu
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/academic-units/plant-sciences
What is NAPIA?
NAPIA’s originating organization, the National Pea Improvement Association, was formed in 1956 as an organization supporting fresh pea breeders. Over the years, the focus began to turn to dry pea. In 1999, the name was changed to North American Pulse Improvement Association (NAPIA) to include other food legumes and the Canadian pulse industry. The mission of NAPIA is to provide a forum to share scientific results and research on pulse crops. The organization has members representing academia, industry, and government. https://pulsecropsipm.org/
Michelle Hubbard, Ph.D.
NAPIA President
Research Scientist, Swift Current Research Development Centre, Swift Current, SK
michelle.hubbard@agr.gc.ca
Tristan Lawrence
NAPIA Treasurer/Secretary
Program Manager, Pulse Quality and Nutritional Breeding, Clemson University, SC,
tjlawre@clemson.edu
