Rice: Research to Production

Looks like I'm on an annual posting schedule here! Oh well. Last month I attended an intensive 3-week course at the International Rice Research Institute on all aspects of rice research, breeding, and production. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the human and global context of my research: I find it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you're down in the analysis trenches. The course also broadened my understanding of the rice breeding pipeline, which should increase the usefulness of the products of my research to breeders. Finally, I think the most valuable aspect of the course was the opportunity to interact and collaborate with scientists, extension officers, breeders, and others from all parts of the rice growing world. It was both challenging and rewarding to find common ground across so many cultures and perspectives.

I am grateful to NSF, IRRI, and co-organizers Jan Leach and Adam Bogdanove for the opportunity!