Developing Country Collaborations in Plant Genome Research (DCC-PGR)

This information is about a new initiative known as the Developing Country Collaborations in Plant Genome Research (DCC-PGR). DCC-PGR supports research partnerships between US scientists and their counterparts from developing countries, through the existing Plant Genome Research Program awards. This information can be accessed from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Solicitation, specifically, NSF 04-510, Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP).

The motivation behind DCC-PGR awards is to drive collaborative research, linking US researchers with partners from developing nations to address issues of mutual interest in areas like agriculture, energy and the environment. The goal being to position US and international researchers at the heart of a global science network. The ultimate aim of these partnerships is to generate sustained engagement with developing countries in plant biotechnology research.

The utility of this biotechnology for developing countries hinges on focusing the technology on locally grown crops and the traits that matter most to local farmers and consumers. Proposals should align with the broad objectives of the PGRP outlined in the current Program Solicitation. Special attention will be given to research projects that extend the impact of prior PGRP investments and focus on issues specific to crops grown in the developing world.

Researchers should request supplemental funding under an existing PGRP award. Alternatively, support can also be requested within a proposal for a new or renewal PGRP award. Collaborative activities focusing on research problems crucial to developing countries are highly encouraged, which includes interactions between scientists that can foster long-term partnerships among participating laboratories.

These collaborations should be reciprocal and based on equal partnership between US scientists and scientists from developing nations. For example, support could be given to joint research projects, or short-term (1-3 months) or long-term (1 year) exchange visits involving reciprocal exchanges of investigators and students between the US and developing nations. Collaborations should be developed that bring together complementary expertise to tackle on problems of importance to the participants from developing countries, and meet their identified needs.