Progress 03/01/17 to 02/28/18
Outputs
Target Audience:International seed scientists, seed industry professionals, seed companies, plant breeders, plant biologists, graduate students, under-graduate students, post-doctoral associates Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The 12th Triennial Conference on Seeds Speed Networking (student/post-doctoral researchers discussed career opportunities with industry representatvies) Seed Science Career Panel (students and post-docs discussed opportunities in seed science careers and received advice from panelists) Scientific Session Co-Chair (students worked with established seed science professionals to conduct scientific program) 1-minute Poster Introductions (provided an additional forum to engage in oral communication in a professional setting) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We invited undergraduate students from local colleges and universities. We use our conference website and program committee contacts to invite members from the Western Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists. Seed World magazine published two articles detailing the conference. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact of the Project - New advances in seed biology research are vital components of a robust agricultural production system poised to meet current demands and future challenges related to food security, energy conservation, protection of natural resources, and sustainable agricultural intensification in the face of climate change. Moreover, seeds are a major food source for humans (70% of global food calories are from wheat, maize and rice grains) and domesticated animals. Improved varieties developed to enhance crop performance and yield are largely transferred to agricultural practice as seeds. In addition, seeds are key delivery system for technologies that address significant agricultural problems. In particular, control of diseases and insects can be delivered by seeds through enhanced genetic resistances and via seed treatments. Likewise, weed control through management of weed seed production and seed dormancy in soil seed banks is receiving greater attention due to reduced herbicide effectiveness linked to weed resistance mechanisms. Thus, seeds play multiple, essential roles in agricultural systems and advancing the progress of seed science through improved communication takes on ever-greater importance. The 12th International Conference on Seeds, sponsored in part by the International Society for Seed Science (ISSS) and USDA-NIFA Regional Research Project W-3168, provides a unique opportunity for such global communication. In addition to attracting the leading seed scientists to share their latest advances, a critical need exists to enhance the recruitment, retention and pipelining of future seed scientists. An international team (11 U.S., 7 Europe, 1 South Africa, 1 South America; 6 female, 14 male; 18 seed scientists, 2 support personnel) organized and operated the conference. The conference drew 180 attendees from 24 different countries. Scientists presented 66 oral presentations and 55 posters. Graduate students delivered roughly 45% and 33% of oral presentations and posters, respectively. Post-doctoral researchers provided almost 8% and 2% of oral presentations, respectively. Additionally, students participated in speed networking activities, attended a seed science career panel, served as session co-chairs, and provided 1-minute introductions for their posters. The 12th International Conference on Seeds: 1) enabled exchange of new seed science information; 2) improved the educational and professional development of future seed scientists; and 3) facilitated movement of the same group into the seed science workforce. This, in turn, leads to: advances in agriculture delivered through seeds as improved varieties or as technologies applied to seeds; improved seed quality for farmers; and highly skilled seed scientists to contribute to addressing the challenges of national and global agricultural production. Objective #1: Enable exchange of new scientific information that can stimulate innovation needed to generate novel solutions - The 12th International Conference on Seeds attracted 180 attendees from 24 different countries. The conference included the following seven sessions: Seed Development Systems, Seed Microbial Systems, Seed Ecological Systems, Seed Germination Systems, Seed Conservation Systems, Seed Dormancy Systems and Seed Scanning Systems. Scientists presented 66 oral presentations and 55 posters. Graduate students delivered roughly 45% and 33% of oral presentations and posters, respectively. Post-doctoral researchers provided almost 8% and 2% of oral presentations, respectively. We hosted three invited plenary speakers (1 Europe, 1 USA, 1 South Africa; 1 female, 2 male) and 14 invited keynote speakers ( 1 Austalia, 1 Canada, 7 Europe, 5 USA; 5 female, 9 male). We observed increased knowledge of current and future seed scientists and industry stakeholders. This was evident in the lines of questioning posed by audience members and discussions among attendees. Scientists also presented new basic and applied seed biology knowledge. Objective #2: Improve educational experiences and career prospects of future seed scientists - We created a student/post-doctoral researcher program to enhance professional development. This program consisted of Speed Networking, Sceed Science Career Panel, Co-Chairing Scientific Sessions and presenting 1-minute poster introductions. Thirteen seed companies participated in the Speed Networking activity. Student groups rotated between companies every 4 minutes. We attracted 65 undergraduate students from local universities, 20 graduate students, and three post-doctoral researchers to the Speed Networking activity. The number of male students (n=48) slightly edged that of female students (n=40). Interestingly, 68% of student participants identfiied with a traditionally under-represented minority. Seventeen students particpated in the Seed Science Career Panel. The five panelist ( 2 female, 3 male), from various sectors of seed science (1 botanical garden/seed conservation, 2 industry, 2 research institute/university; 4 Europe, 1 USA), provided advice and perspectives in response to audience questions. Likewise, eight students (4 female, 4 male; 3 Europe, 5 USA) volunteered to serve as scientific session co-chairs. FInally, seven students (28%) paticipated in 1-minute talks. These activities contributed to an improvement in knowledge if potential employment opportunities while expanding professional development of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
P�rez, H.E. In prep. Enhancing Professional Development in Seed Science Students: Current Status and Future Prospects. Seed Science Research.
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