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Research Project: Innovative Strategies and Methods for Improving the Management, Availability, and Utility of Plant Genetic Resource Collections

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Title: Educating the next generation of genebank workers

Author
item BYRNE, PATRICK - Colorado State University
item Volk, Gayle
item Bretting, Peter

Submitted to: Crop Science Society of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/4/2018
Publication Date: 11/4/2019
Citation: Byrne, P., Volk, G.M., Bretting, P.K. 2019. Educating the next generation of genebank workers. Crop Science Society of America. 2018 ASA/CSSA Meeting.

Interpretive Summary: Germplasm System (NPGS), there is an urgent need to develop training programs for the next generation of genebank workers. To our knowledge, existing educational resources for plant genetic resource (PGR) management and use are incomplete or not broadly accessible. A workshop was held in Fort Collins, Colorado in April, 2018 to identify the necessary scientific content, practical genetic resource management skills, and potential training/education formats to address this need. The workshop included employees of the NPGS, land-grant universities, industry, international genebanks, funding agencies, and a botanic garden. Participants represented teams who curate and manage PGR, as well as scientists who use genebank materials in their research and breeding programs. Together, these participants identified a combination of potential mechanisms for genebank staff, graduate students, and members of the international community to be trained in core aspects of PGR management. The workshop resulted in a tentative plan for developing and delivering a PGR management educational program, including online courses, a resource library of “learning objects”, webinars, and hands-on workshops. This presentation will summarize the outcomes of the workshop and will seek feedback from the crop science community about the proposed educational program.

Technical Abstract: Germplasm System (NPGS), there is an urgent need to develop training programs for the next generation of genebank workers. To our knowledge, existing educational resources for plant genetic resource (PGR) management and use are incomplete or not broadly accessible. A workshop was held in Fort Collins, Colorado in April, 2018 to identify the necessary scientific content, practical genetic resource management skills, and potential training/education formats to address this need. The workshop included employees of the NPGS, land-grant universities, industry, international genebanks, funding agencies, and a botanic garden. Participants represented teams who curate and manage PGR, as well as scientists who use genebank materials in their research and breeding programs. Together, these participants identified a combination of potential mechanisms for genebank staff, graduate students, and members of the international community to be trained in core aspects of PGR management. The workshop resulted in a tentative plan for developing and delivering a PGR management educational program, including online courses, a resource library of “learning objects”, webinars, and hands-on workshops. This presentation will summarize the outcomes of the workshop and will seek feedback from the crop science community about the proposed educational program.