National Research Council Report on National Plant Genome Initiative

A recent report by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies recommends a significant broadening of the mission of the National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI) due to its contributions to human health, energy security, and environmental stewardship. Citing NPGI’s research breakthroughs that demonstrate the plant genome community is “vibrant and capable of driving technological advancement,” NRC said NPGI research activities increase the contribution of plant science to vital areas of national interest.

NPGI was established in 1998 as a coordinated national plant genome project. Currently CSREES, the Department of Energy (DOE), National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation (NSF), US Agency for International Development, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, and U.S. Forest Service participate in the NPGI. The NPGI is governed by the Interagency Working Group on Plant Genomes (IWG-PG) under the auspices of the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Science.

A committee under the NRC conducted the study of the past achievements and potential future directions of the NPGI. This NRC study was commissioned by the IWG-PG and funded jointly by the participating agencies. The IWG-PG asked the NRC study committee to review accomplishments of the activities supported under the auspices of NPGI; to assess the overall contributions of NPGI to science, research infrastructure, education and training, and international research collaboration; and to recommend future directions for plant genome research in the United States. The report will be among several factors that will help shape future directions and support for plant genome research at each of the participating agencies, including plant genome grant programs at DOE, NSF, and USDA.  The NRC committee has completed its study and produced a report and executive summary.

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Last Updated: 02/19/2008