GCP News Issue 30--15 May 2008
This issue focuses on resources and helpdesks for researchers, from both GCP and the wider scientific community
Resources
1) Product Development Guide (PDG)
This latest resource from GCP is an online tool for each and every step in the project cycle from project design, to project implementation and management. Primarily developed as an aide for Principal Investigators in GCP projects, it is however useful to any researcher, as well as for science managers and reviewers of scientific projects, and scientists seeking GCP funding, among others. The PDG is sculpted around eight well-developed key project management themes. To navigate through the PDG, you can either take the guided tour theme by theme, or, if you prefer, take a rapid overview tour and zoom in on what the PDG can do for you. Your feedback on this new tool is warmly invited: every page in the PDG has an inbuilt feedback form for this purpose.
View the PDG
2) Learning materials
This year, GCP’s Subprogramme 5 (SP5) is working on several sets of learning materials directly linked to the work of the other four technical Subprogrammes. Two sets are already online and ready for your use:
• Distant policies course material: Developed in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research Centre, this is a distance learning module for scientists, covering genetic resource policies and implications on freedom to operate (CD version will be available shortly).
• The McClintock Crop Bioinformatics Course: Named in honour of Nobel prize-winning crop geneticist, Barbara McClintock, this self-study introductory course targets scientists with a reasonable background in germplasm, biology and genetics, and the application of these disciplines in plant and agricultural sciences. It is a joint project between IRRI and the CGIAR Generation Challenge Programme.
Please note that additional learning materials are under development covering genomics and comparative genomics; genetic diversity; marker-assisted selection; phenotyping; and association genetics. All the learning materials will be accessible through SP5’s Capacity-Building Corner.
Helpdesks
1) Bioinformatics and Biometrics (BB) Helpdesk from SP4
This new GCP helpdesk provides personal support to GCP scientists on data handling, storage and analysis. The helpdesk makes available resources and expertise in the fields of biometry, bioinformatics and software engineering to optimise the use of Subprogramme 4 (SP4) expertise and products.
2) New addition to the Interactive Resource Center
In direct response to user needs, the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) has been updated to include a section on troubleshooting DNA extractions. The IRC is a joint Cornell–GCP initiative to provide personalised, interactive support to address specific needs from researchers.
Announcements…
…from GCP
2007 ARM-GCP survey
Results of the 2007 ARM survey are now available. The survey covered the ARM in particular and GCP in general. More
…from the wider scientific community
1) Global Partnership Initiative for Plant Breeding Capacity Building (GIPB)
GIPB is a platform and partnership of public, private and civil society institutions from the South and the North working in concert to promote capacity-building in plant breeding for crop improvement and sustainable development. We encourage you to visit their highly informative website, and consider subscribing to Plant Breeding News.
2) Coping with water scarcity in developing countries: What role for agricultural biotechnologies?
The summary document of the above FAO e-conference (5 March to 1 April 2007) has been published. The major topics were the application of biotechnologies (mainly genetic modification and marker-assisted selection) to develop crops with improved drought resistance or water-use efficiency; the use of bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in water-limited conditions; and the use of biotechnology in wastewater treatment. You can access the summary online or contact biotech-admin@fao.org for a copy.
GCP is hosted by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). GCP/CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
GCP warmly invites your feedback and comments at GenerationCP-News@cgiar.org
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