XVI International Botanical Congess

The 4th IBC was held at Cornell U., where Barbara McClintock was a doctoral student. The IBC facilitated the exchange of ideas between students and experienced researchers and catalyzed McClintock's scientific career. McClintock, one of seven women listed in the scientific sessions, was in charge of exhibits and discussions of cytological preparations, thus she was highly visible to leading researchers in her field. By 1926, she and L. F. Randolph had jointly published her application of the aceto-carmine smear technique in corn sporocytes. At the IBC, Randolph presented part of their work as an invited paper. Among those present who encouraged and supported McClintock's early achievements were senior Cornell faculty and other distinguished participants. Contacts with these influential delegates led to recognition of McClintock's work and resulted in NRC fellowships after graduation.