Xylem International
Meeting 2027
The international xylem research community meets in the South African Lowveld.
Hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand's Wits Rural Facility.
Save the date
Wits Rural Facility · South AfricaWelcome to XIM7
Join colleagues working on xylem structure, function and plant water relations for scientific exchange in a distinctive savanna setting.
The 2027 Xylem International Meeting will be hosted at Wits Rural Facility in August. We look forward to bringing together researchers across career stages to share findings, discuss methods and develop collaborations.
Speakers and participation details will be announced here as arrangements are confirmed.
Visit the previous meeting: XIM6, SevilleFrom xylem structure to plant performance.
The programme and keynote speakers are being developed. Proposed areas of discussion include:
Structure & transport
Xylem anatomy, water transport and the relationships between structure and hydraulic function.
Drought & resilience
Embolism, hydraulic safety and the responses of plants to water limitation.
Methods & models
New measurements, experimental approaches and models connecting hydraulics to plant performance.
These are proposed themes. The final sessions, presentation formats and schedule will be published once confirmed.
Registration
& abstracts
Abstract submissions openSubmit an abstract of up to 300 words by 31 March 2027. Decisions will be sent on 30 April 2027.
Submit an abstractConference registration opens later.
Before you submit
Abstracts must be no longer than 300 words. Submit by 31 March 2027; acceptance notifications will be sent on 30 April 2027. Choose oral, poster or either format. Abstracts will be considered for scientific relevance, clarity and contribution; the organising team will confirm presentation allocations.
Before you register
Fees, included meals and events, accommodation arrangements, payment instructions and cancellation terms will be published before bookings open.
Any funded participation support and its application process will be announced once funding is confirmed.
Key dates
The meeting will take place on 16–19 August 2027. Submission and registration dates will be added as arrangements are finalised.
Meet at Wits Rural.
A rural campus of the University of the Witwatersrand, set in the Lowveld near Kruger National Park.
Wits Rural Facility provides conference spaces, accommodation and catering in a natural bushveld setting. Meeting-specific room allocations and travel arrangements are still being confirmed.
Getting here
The venue is on Orpen Road near Acornhoek. Detailed arrival guidance, airport options and any organised transfers will be published once confirmed.
View Wits Rural location informationWhere to stay
On-site accommodation is the intended starting point, with nearby options to be listed as needed. Conference room blocks, rates and booking instructions are forthcoming.
Explore the facility’s accommodationWhen should I book travel and accommodation?
The meeting dates are confirmed. Please wait for conference booking instructions before making non-refundable travel and accommodation arrangements. General Wits accommodation pages describe the facility; they do not reserve a place for this meeting.
Will airport transfers be available?
Transfer options, departure points, schedules and prices are not yet confirmed. These details will be published with the travel guidance.
Visas, health and accessibility
Delegate travel guidance will include links to official visa and travel-health information. Venue accessibility details and a meeting contact for specific requirements will be added before registration opens.
Venue information and photograph: University of the Witwatersrand.
A Little Lowveld Safari
The landscape offers a natural setting for conversations about how plants function. We are exploring activities that connect the meeting with its surroundings.
Savanna science
A proposed field visit focused on local vegetation and plant function. Route, guides and participation details will be announced if confirmed.
Time together
A proposed social evening with a South African braai, providing space for informal discussion and new connections.
Before or after
For delegates planning an independent visit, Kruger National Park is nearby. Park bookings are separate from the meeting.
Explore Kruger with SANParksMeeting activities are proposals at this stage. Availability, costs and booking conditions will be published before bookings open.
Sponsors
Three sponsorship tiers offer different ways to support XIM7. Sponsorship can contribute to conference venues, meeting activities and participation.
Headline Sponsor
Sponsor a conference venue, such as the main auditorium for keynote sessions.
- Option to display a banner beside the keynote podium and outside the main auditorium entrance.
- Prominent recognition on the meeting website and in the abstract book.
- Acknowledgement in official meeting communications.
Main Sponsor
Sponsor another aspect of the meeting, such as a reception, poster session or student participation.
- Advertising in agreed areas associated with the supported activity.
- Recognition on the meeting website and in the abstract book.
- Acknowledgement in official meeting communications.
Event Sponsor
Contribute to the meeting through general event support.
- Acknowledgement in all official meeting communications, including delegate announcements and event updates.
- Recognition on the meeting website and in the abstract book.
Contributions and specific placements will be agreed with the organising team. Confirmed sponsors will be listed here.
For sponsorship enquiries, contact rob.skelton@wits.ac.za.
The Host Team
Robert Skelton
Associate Professor of Plant Physiology
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
University of the Witwatersrand
Organising committee details will be published here.