image: XIng-Wang Deng view more
Credit: Yale
New Haven, Conn. — A joint Yale-Peking University center that aims to improve crop production by furthering understanding of plant biology will receive five years of continued and expanded support from the Monsanto Company, a leading provider of agricultural technology.
The company will fund student exchanges and a series of plant biology-related programs at the Peking-Yale Joint Center (PYC) for Plant Molecular Genetics and Agrobiotechnology, a multidisciplinary research program that serves as a model of global scientific partnerships. The past and future support totals more than $1 million (US).
Established at Peking University in 2001, the center is a place where independent research groups work within a common facility, sharing resources and expertise. Research at the center is concentrated in the field of basic biology in model plant systems and on the application of this research to crop improvement — an area of great interest and importance both to China and to the United States.
Monsanto's support for the center began in 2002. It includes the Monsanto Fellowship Award and the Monsanto Exchange Program, as well as sponsorship of an annual scientific meeting and attendance at technology workshops.
“Over the past five years, 11 Ph.D. students associated with the center at Peking University location have been named as ‘Monsanto Fellows’ and participated in this exchange,” said Xing-Wang Deng, the Daniel C. Eaton Professor of Plant Biology at Yale and the director of the Peking-Yale Center. “We are most grateful for Monsanto's ongoing commitment to and support for the center. This renewed support will allow the PYC to continue its ongoing graduate student exchanging program.”
The Monsanto Fellowship Award program provides financial support for selected Ph.D. students associated with the center to attend Yale University every year for training. The Monsanto Exchange Program sends faculty, post-doctoral students, and undergraduates from Peking University to visit Yale University — and those from Yale to visit Peking University — where they can receive special training, participate in research, and attend workshops related to agricultural biotechnology.
“As a global company 100 percent committed to agriculture, we at Monsanto believe it's imperative to continue investing in research that will advance the agricultural industry and help farmers be as efficient and productive as possible,” said Hugh Grant, Chairman, President and CEO of Monsanto Company. “Supporting the Peking-Yale Joint Center's work is one way we can help foster continued advancement and quality research. We're excited to extend our support of this important global investment.”
“Monsanto is a valued partner of Peking University,” said Xu Zhihong, President of Peking University. “The five-year sponsorship for the center and its financial support has greatly contributed to biotechnology development in China and academic exchanges between Peking University and Yale University. We look forward to continuing cooperation with Monsanto.”
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information, visit: http://www.monsanto.com .