NSF Plant Genome Research Program awards support collaborative research linking U.S. researchers with partners from developing countries to solve problems of mutual interest in agriculture, energy and the environment, while placing U.S. and international researchers at the center of a global network of scientific excellence.

The long-term goal of these collaborative research efforts is a greater and sustained engagement with developing countries in plant biotechnology research. In order to realize the full potential of biotechnology for the developing world, the technology must target crops grown locally in the developing countries and the traits that are most relevant to the local farmers and consumers. At the same time, proposals should meet the broad goals of the PGRP described in the current Program Solicitation. Of special interest are those research projects that build on prior PGRP investments and that tackle problems specific to crops grown in the developing world.

More information is available at www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/nsf04563/nsf04563.htm.