[Seminar] Molecules to Agriculture to Socioeconomic Impact: Rice-Based Food System as a Model for Leveraging Molecular Biology

Title: Molecules to Agriculture to Socioeconomic Impact: Rice-Based Food System as a Model for Leveraging Molecular Biology

Speaker: Ajay Kohli

From: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Abstract: Plant Science research is on a journey of fast-tracked paradigm shifts. This is not limited to the high turnover of technological innovations but includes innovations in the application of these technologies in a redefined systems approach. The overarching systems approach spans the world of 'omics' sciences on the one hand, and the agricultural landscapes and socioeconomic impacts on the other hand. This integrated approach was long recommended but partially espoused in research institutions, mainly because most entities specialize in innovations in either one or the other end of the spectrum. With plant breeding and agronomy research for productivity having served well in the Green- and post Green-revolution era, the thrusts in plant and agricultural sciences have moved substantially towards climate resilience, sustainability, nutrition and inclusivity. This seminar will illustrate examples of how research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) uses rice as a model system for innovations in genes, genomes and genotype discovery, going all the way to innovations in partnerships for seed systems and impact assessment. IRRI leverages the molecular sciences, through breeding and agronomy, to catalyze transformative changes on the ground for the farmers and customers. In the recent past, successes with some high value discoveries prioritized product or process development, as mandated by IRRI. Elaborating the fundamental mechanistic factors underpinning these products or processes could be the basis of mutually beneficial collaborations with institutes like ITQB NOVA.