Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
March 20, 2008
Student symposium looks to the
future of plant research
There is a looming threat across
Canada in the Plant Sciences sector as researchers in the baby
boomer generation near retirement and a lack of workers are
available to fill their roles. This is an issue that is of huge
concern to the Western
Grains Research Foundation, particularly when it comes to
plant breeders.
This last weekend (March 14 & 15, 2008) a Plant Science Grad
Student Symposium was held in Saskatoon with the goal of
bringing students from western Canada and across the border to
learn about the opportunities that exist within this important
field in general and specifically within Saskatchewan.
“WGRF is heavily involved in funding public wheat and barley
breeding programs on behalf of farmers with check-off dollars,
and because of this we want to do anything we can to encourage
upcoming students to consider plant breeding as a career path.
That is why we found it so important to get involved in
supporting the symposium,” says Lanette Kuchenski, Executive
Director of the Western Grains Research Foundation.
“Students are the future,” adds Kuchenski. “Without these
dedicated individuals to take over the public breeding programs
and continue the development of strong varieties, Canada will
face the threat of falling behind the rest of the world when it
comes to research.”
There were a total of 75 attendees, with students from North
Dakota State University, University of Manitoba, University of
Alberta, University of Saskatchewan and even a representative
from Mexico. The symposium location rotates annually with the
University of Saskatchewan hosting this year’s event.
“We were very excited to host the 24th year of the Plant Science
Grad Student Symposium,” said Leah Fedoruk, co-organizing chair
and U of S Plant Science grad student. “Bringing students
together from all over to exchange ideas and learn about the
research other students are conducting is important to the
future of this sector. It is also a great opportunity to learn
about the job opportunities within Plant Sciences.”
”This event takes a lot of work to put together, but is
definitely worth it in the end. Sponsors like the Western Grains
Research Foundation are imperative to make this event happen
annually,” comments Fedoruk. |
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