New Zealand
September 24, 2008
Dr Warren Williams has been
appointed as the
AgResearch Professorial Fellow in Plant Breeding at Massey
University, primarily to support the new post-graduate
qualification in plant breeding offered by Massey and Lincoln
Universities.
The joint appointment between AgResearch and the Massey
University’s Institutes of Natural Resources and Molecular
Biosciences will see Professor Williams spend one day a week at
the University.
A Senior Scientist at AgResearch Grasslands, Professor Williams
is a recognised international expert in the field of plant
breeding, with vast experience gained through his role as
Curator of AgResearch’s Margot Forde Forage Germplasm Centre.
Plant Breeding is critical to the success of the agricultural,
horticultural and forestry industries of New Zealand, and the
lucrative international seed markets.
Professor Williams’ appointment heralds a revival in
conventional plant breeding based on quantitative genetics, and
the further integration of these with modern DNA technologies.
But with a growing recognition that conventional plant breeders
are essential to translate advances in DNA technology into plant
varieties in the field, and many established breeders close to
retirement, the industry is in need of new graduates and
up-skilling.
To meet this capability gap, Massey and Lincoln Universities
have teamed up with key stake-holding industries, together with
the appointment of Dr Williams, to offer a one or two-year
post-graduate qualification in Plant Breeding starting in 2009.
Professor Williams is thrilled to see the return of plant
breeding education in New Zealand.
“The resumption of plant breeding teaching is a great step for
scientific advancement to grow some of New Zealand’s key
industries, and I’m really pleased to be involved.” |
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