Biophysical measurements and the sensors that enable them were once slow and awkward but are now faster and easier than ever to deploy. The aim of this symposium is to provide perspective for these changes. Recent advances in biophysical sensors used for rapid plant phenotyping will be highlighted, but beforehand time will be devoted to commemorating the fundamental scientific accomplishments in biophysics achieved several decades ago at the U.S. Water Conservation Laboratory. Key scientists from that era will be invited to lead the session. The remaining time will be devoted to presentations focused on current and proposed sensors that are transforming the science of plant phenotyping.