Des Moines, Iowa
April 11, 2007
DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced a $150,000 pledge to
Purdue University to help
graduate students with an interest in plant breeding and
genetics research.
"The potential for solutions from
crop genetics research to meet global demands for food, feed,
fuel and materials continues to grow," said William S. Niebur,
vice president, DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development.
"This presents a tremendous opportunity for highly trained,
well-educated plant breeders and scientists to be on the cutting
edge of significant research."
Beginning this year, DuPont will
provide two, $25,000 fellowships to support graduate students in
the Department of Agronomy at Purdue. The fellowships, which
will be administered by DuPont subsidiary
Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
are renewable each year through 2009. Purdue also will provide
matching funds for a total of $300,000 over three years.
"The world has come to recognize
the incredible potential for plant genetics to help solve global
challenges," said Niebur. "We need to make sure we have the best
and brightest working to develop these solutions."
Earlier this year, DuPont
announced the expansion of its research capacity and addition of
more than 400 positions, primarily focused on seed and
biotechnology research, including plant breeding.
Research and educational programs
in Purdue's Department of Agronomy center on four broad areas of
emphasis, including genetic improvement of economic crops and
crop systems, and plant nutrition.
"Educating successive generations
of plant breeders and geneticists depends on our ability to
continue to provide excellent scientific and educational
programs," said Craig Beyrouty, Agronomy Department Head at
Purdue. "This support from DuPont will extend and complement our
capacity to provide highly educated and trained plant breeders
for the future."
DuPont subsidiary Pioneer is the world's leading source of
customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain
and oilseed processors. With headquarters here, Pioneer provides
access to advanced plant genetics,
crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation. |
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