PLANTWALLK · COST ACTION CA24116

Advancing Plant Cell Wall Knowledge.

PlantWallK brings together researchers from imaging, chemistry, biophysics, computation and modelling to overcome fragmented knowledge and methods.

Registration Open

First PlantWallK meeting

Prague, 25–26 May

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Registration Open

Satellite meeting: EPCC

Prague, May 26–27

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Learn more How to join Grants and Calls

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01 Context

About PlantWallK

Plant cell walls are essential for plant development and survival, providing plants with numerous key functions. Beyond their biological role, cell walls represent a major carbon sink and a key renewable resource for food, feed, materials, and bioenergy.

Although our understanding of this complex and dynamic system has greatly advanced, important knowledge gaps remain.

The Action brings together researchers from imaging, chemistry, biophysics, computation and modelling to overcome fragmented knowledge and methods. Multidisciplinary cooperation of PlantWallK aims to improve how we visualise, analyse and simulate cell walls, build shared data and knowledge infrastructure, and create a common language for this community.

02 Goals

Objectives

The objectives focus on strengthening coordination and capacity in cell wall research by integrating methodologies, instrumentation, and data analysis across disciplines, while identifying and addressing gaps in existing tools, probes, and protocols. This includes developing standardized frameworks, validated molecular recognition tools, advanced detection and data-processing methods—particularly leveraging deep learning—and establishing best practices for data infrastructure, sharing, and model development. In parallel, the goals emphasize building a robust European research ecosystem through shared infrastructures, validated methodologies, interdisciplinary expert networks, and sustained training efforts, with particular support for early-career researchers via collaborative opportunities, workshops, and increased visibility within the scientific community.

Mission

The primary mission of the PlantWallK Action is to unify the currently fragmented research landscape by establishing a robust interdisciplinary network. It aims to unleash a holistic research effort to elucidate central cell wall paradigms, specifically the relationship between structure and function, and the interplay between intracellular regulations, dynamics, and biomechanics. By fostering cooperation and mobility, the Action seeks to bridge distant disciplines—from biology to physics—to create a common language and overcome current bottlenecks in understanding this complex resource.

Scope

This Action brings together experts in biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science to address critical knowledge gaps in cell wall mechanics, composition, and dynamics. The scope encompasses the development of novel molecular recognition tools, the application of deep learning for high-resolution image analysis, and the integration of complex multiscale data. It targets applications in agriculture, bioenergy, and material science, ensuring that innovations align with the European Green Deal and sustainable circular systems.

Instruments

To achieve its ambitious goals, PlantWallK utilizes a structured framework of three thematic Working Groups focused on methods, data analysis, and modeling. Key instruments include Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) for researcher mobility, interdisciplinary workshops, and specialized training schools for the next generation of scientists. The Action also leverages digital infrastructure to create open inventories of standardized protocols and probes, facilitating resource sharing and lasting collaboration across Europe.

Working Groups

PlantWallK is organized into three interlinked Working Groups.

Leader: Aline Voxeur

The working group focuses on advancing methodologies for analyzing the mechanical and biochemical properties of plant cell walls. It promotes the development, evaluation, and integration of innovative techniques through interdisciplinary collaboration, including conferences, workshops, training activities, and short-term scientific missions. As a central pillar of the Action, its progress underpins the effectiveness and impact of all other working groups.

Main tasks
  1. Create a comprehensive, standardized inventory of existing methods for mechanical and biochemical cell wall analysis, including imaging, analytical techniques, and molecular recognition tools, with emphasis on quantitative, reproducible approaches applicable to plant and crop materials.
  2. Identify methodological gaps and introduce novel approaches, particularly in situ and in vivo measurement techniques, by transferring suitable methods from other research fields such as biomedical and material sciences.
  3. Establish a sustainable framework for developing and validating new tools, including imaging strategies and molecular probes, supported by coordinated STSMs, joint grant applications, open data repositories, and hands-on training to enable long-term adoption by the scientific community.
  4. Monitor, document, and disseminate progress in method development by compiling validated and emerging techniques into an openly accessible, continuously updated database hosted on the Action website, thereby supporting future experimental practice and broad community uptake.

Leadership / Core group

Chair and Vice-Chair

Kateřina Schwarzerová

Chair

Czech Republic

Jozef Mravec

Vice-Chair

Slovakia

Coordinators

Paula Sampaio

Grant Awarding Coordinator

Portugal

Laura Bacete

Science Communication Coordinator

Sweden

Working Group leaders and co-leaders

Aline Voxeur

WG1 Leader

France

Stéphane Verger

WG2 Leader

Sweden

Dorota Kwiatkowska

WG3 Leader

Poland

Grégory Mouille

WG3 Co-Leader

France

Country participation

A map of the countries participating in PlantWallK.

0 Countries
0 Participants

Legend

Participating country
Management Comitee member(s)

👆 Hover for status. Click countries with MC members to view details.

News

Our latest news

Website launch

The PlantWallK website is now live. Welcome! Initial information about the Action, Working Groups, leadership, grants and events will be updated continuously.

Grants

PlantWallk offers grants to support mobility, collaboration, and career development across the network. We fund both research exchanges and conference participation through Mobility Grants and Conference Grants.

Applications are submitted via e-COST. Applicants need an e-COST profile (you can create one during the process). Before applying, applicants should read the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.

The PlantWallK Grant Awarding Process document describes the application steps, evaluation criteria, and the documents grantees must submit to receive the grant.

Download the PlantWallK Grant Awarding Process document

Contacts for grants and workshop offers

  • Paula Sampaio (Grant Awarding Coordinator)
Open

Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)

Research exchange visits between COST members to support collaboration and skill transfer.

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-08-01 (or until funds are used)

View details

STSM – 1st Call 2026

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-08-01 (or until funds are used)
Period to carry out the STSM: 2026-03-02– 2026-08-31
Report deadline: within 30 days after the end of the STSM, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period (whichever comes first)

Purpose
PlantWallK supports Short-Term Scientific Missions that allow researchers and innovators to visit a host organisation in a country other than their country of affiliation, in order to carry out a defined piece of scientific work within a set time frame. The grant supports capacity building and knowledge transfer through bilateral or multilateral collaboration. It also supports activities that contribute to the objectives and deliverables of the PlantWallK Memorandum of Understanding. STSMs enable access to expertise, equipment, or techniques not available at the home institution and support project work with an international team, with scope for longer-term collaboration.

Eligibility
Applicants must be Action Participants. The STSM must be completed in full within a single Grant Period and within the lifetime of the PlantWallK Action.

Funding and conditions
The STSM grant is a fixed financial contribution towards overall costs linked to the mission, including travel, accommodation, subsistence, project implementation, report preparation, and the overall effort required to complete the mission. STSM grantees are responsible for all matters related to personal security, health, taxation, social security, and pension arrangements. The COST Association and the Grant Holder do not act as an employer. The STSM grant is not a salary.

Apply via e-COST ↗
Open

Young Researcher and Innovator (YRI) Conference Grants

Support for Young Researchers and Innovators participating in Action activities.

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-02-23

View details

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-02-23
Period to attend a conference: 2026-03-02– 2026-08-31
Report deadline: within 30 days after the end of the conference, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period (whichever comes first)

Purpose
PlantWallK supports Young Researchers and Innovators (under 40 years of age) to attend international high-level conferences and present their own work within the scope of the Action through an oral or poster presentation. The grant also supports networking and future collaboration.

Eligibility
Applicants must be Action Participants and meet the definition of a Young Researcher and Innovator. The conference contribution must be relevant to PlantWallK.

Funding and conditions
The grant is a financial contribution towards travel, accommodation, subsistence, conference registration fees, and the overall effort linked to participation and reporting. Conferences must be attended in person.

Apply via e-COST ↗
Opening Soon

Inclusiveness Target Country (ITC) Conference Grants

Support for participants from Inclusiveness Target Countries to attend conferences and Action activities.

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-02-23

View details

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-02-23
Period to attend a conference: 2026-03-02– 2026-08-31
Report deadline: within 30 days after the end of the conference, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period (whichever comes first)

Purpose
PlantWallK supports researchers and innovators affiliated with legal entities in Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and Near Neighbour Countries (NNCs), as listed in the Country and Organisations Table, to attend international high-level conferences. Grantees must present their work within the scope of the Action through an oral presentation. The grant also supports networking and the establishment of new contacts for future collaboration.

Eligibility
Applicants must be Action Participants and affiliated with a legal entity in an ITC or NNC. The planned conference contribution must fall within the scope of PlantWallK.

Funding and conditions
The grant is a financial contribution towards travel, accommodation, subsistence, conference registration fees, and the overall effort linked to participation and reporting. Conferences may be attended in person or virtually.

Apply via e-COST ↗
Open

Dissemination Conference Grants

Support dissemination of Action outcomes at conferences.

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-02-23

View details

Dissemination Conference Grant Call 2026

Call opens: 2026-02-02
Deadline: 2026-02-23
Period to attend a conference: 2026-03-02– 2026-08-31
Report deadline: within 30 days after the end of the conference, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period (whichever comes first)

Purpose
PlantWallK supports Action Participants to attend international conferences and give an oral presentation that presents the Action, its activities, and its results. The grant also supports networking and the development of contacts that may lead to future collaboration.

Eligibility
Applicants must be Action Participants. The conference topic and the planned presentation must be relevant to PlantWallK and focus on communicating Action activities and results.

Funding and conditions
The grant is a financial contribution towards travel, accommodation, subsistence, conference registration fees, and the overall effort linked to participation and reporting. Conferences must be attended in person.

Apply via e-COST ↗
Open

Call for workshop offers

Submit workshop proposals. Accepted offers will be used to compile a workshop schedule.

View details & submit proposal

Purpose
Collect workshop offers each year for any year of the Action.

Eligibility
Open to Action participants and partner organisers (aligned with Action aims).

What to submit
Use the form below (static-only: it will generate a pre-filled email).

Workshop offer form

This will open your email client with a pre-filled message to the grants/workshop contacts.

Events

Details

First PlantWallK meeting

Prague, 25–26 May

  • Total capacity: 120 participants
  • 2026 budget anticipates: 60 reimbursed participants and 3 invited speakers
  • Reimbursed participants selected based on abstracts
Register ↗
Details

Satellite meeting: EPCC

Prague, 25–26 May

Join the satellite meeting focused on cytoskeletal research.

Register ↗

How to join

Joining PlantWallK is handled via COST e-services. Membership evolves continuously, so the website does not list individual members.

  1. Create an e-COST account

    Register at e-services.cost.eu using your institutional email.

  2. Apply to join Action CA24116

    Open the application link and submit your request to join the Working Groups.

  3. Confirmation

    Your request will be reviewed by the Action leadership in line with COST processes.

Apply via COST e-services ↗

Credits

We gratefully acknowledge Edita Tylova, Petra Cifrova and Jan Martinek for the microscopy images. Laura Bacete and Jozef Mravec for the logo conception and design.

Website developed by pimoa-webworks.com.