41 SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2026 • SEED SCIENCE Ainara’s team in the Seed Testing Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland talent pool and bring fresh perspectives. It could also work as an extension of Young@ISTA, providing valuable opportunities for early- career seed scientists to engage with the ISTA network, building professional connections, learning from the experience of established members and helping laboratories around the world to maintain expertise. While I know this approach is already being used in some projects, I suggest formalising it as a standard practice and promoting opportunities through the Association’s newsletter, platforms such as LinkedIn or even Seed Testing International magazine, to increase participation. 12. What is your opinion on the future of seed testing? From my perspective it will involve a combination of traditional testing methods and new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround time. With the anticipated new genomics techniques (NGT) regulation coming in the EU, exciting times lie ahead for seed-scientists, who, I believe, will play a key role in supporting this new regulatory framework. 13. What are your plans for the future? I am really enjoying my time in seed testing and ideally, I would like to progress into a leadership position, developing my own team while continuously seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and enhance working practices. I am also looking forward to expanding my professional scope by becoming a system auditor. Hopefully, you will see me in your laboratories very soon!
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