Plant Sciences Launch Director’s Report

The NC Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI) is picking up steam.

April 2019 marks the beginning of construction and our journey towards the completion of this world-class plant sciences research facility that will open in late 2021.

The building will be on NC State’s Centennial Campus adjacent to the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Technology and Education Center on Oval Drive. While construction kicks off in spring 2019, the formal groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019 (stay tuned for more information!).

Programmatic progress is also underway. Six different NC State colleges, along with the Provost’s office and the Office of Research and Innovation, have come together to establish a fund of over $2.3 million to kick-start interdisciplinary PSI research projects!

This significant funding opportunity for university faculty members has generated new collaborations along with brainstorming sessions as groups prepare to submit their proposals. The university plans to fund up to three projects, one in each of the three research platforms (plant improvement, data-driven plant science and resilient agricultural systems). These projects will take place over a 3.5-year period beginning in January 2020. It is likely that the teams with the winning proposals will be some of the plant sciences building’s first occupants. The idea of working across disciplines with faculty from around this university is exciting to witness. Great things for agriculture and society will come from these and other projects that are underway.

[pullquote color=”red” align=”right”]The idea of working across disciplines with faculty from around this university is exciting to witness.[/pullquote]

Here is an update on the funding for the building: While 100 percent of the funds to complete the building have yet to be raised, the college continues to engage with several potential donors and hopes to announce some significant gifts soon. Additionally, the University Board of Trustees has approved naming rights for spaces within the building, creating an incredible opportunity to feature your family or company name in the building. For more information about PSI connect with Steve Briggs, launch director, spbriggs@ncsu.edu or 919.513.3874.