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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative
Undergraduate student (right) listens to a grad student explain cotton bolls in the Phytotron greenhouse.

N.C. PSI Strategic Plan 2025

To view the strategic plan on full screen, click the cover image above.

Download an accessible version of the N.C. PSI Strategic Plan 2025 below.

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Executive Summary

The N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI) was designed to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders and address the complex challenges of agriculture. When the NC State Plant Sciences Building doors opened in the spring of 2022, our innovation hub could actualize endless possibilities. N.C. PSI leadership embraced a strategic planning process to prioritize the resources and actions needed to be successful in the early years of this initiative.

Our Mission

To solve grand challenges in agriculture and the environment in North Carolina and beyond through interdisciplinary team-based science, partnerships and talent development.

Our Vision

Create a healthier, sustainable and more prosperous future through plant science innovation.

Our Values

  • Collaboration
  • Inclusivity
  • Scale Neutrality
  • Engagement
  • Sustainability
  • Innovation
  • Entrepreneurship

Focus Areas

Scientific Impact

The forecasted work of N.C. PSI will affect stakeholders near and far through breakthroughs in research, teaching and outreach.

  • Priority 1: Integrate Technology and Data Management Capabilities Into All Aspects of N.C. PSI
  • Priority 2: Transform the Future of Agriculture Through Large-Scale Interdisciplinary Pursuits
  • Priority 3: Position N.C. PSI as a Regional Hub for Plant Sciences Economic Impact
  • Priority 4: Develop the Next Generation of Problem Solvers in Agriculture

Engagement and Communication

Creating connections and sharing knowledge are foundational aspects of N.C. PSI.

  • Priority 1: Elevate N.C. PSI’s Presence Across NC State, Throughout North Carolina and Around the World
  • Priority 2: Prioritize Engagement With the North Carolina Agriculture Sector
  • Priority 3: Expand N.C. PSI Partnerships and Strengthen External Collaborations

Operations and Governance

Our interdisciplinary initiative will share key learnings and collaborate with the university to identify best practices for the future.

  • Priority 1: Establish N.C. PSI as a Model for Interdisciplinary Structure, Governance, Policy and Staffing
  • Priority 2: Develop a Sustainable Funding Model for N.C. PSI

N.C. PSI Platforms

University leaders and stakeholders thoughtfully constructed platforms within N.C. PSI in order to break down academic barriers and support interdisciplinary research teams. The five platforms are Plant Improvement, Resilient Agricultural Systems, Data-Driven Plant Sciences, Education and Workforce Development, and Extension Outreach and Engagement.

The platforms each participated in a simultaneous strategic planning process.
They identified focus areas, strategies and goals that will enable them to
collaborate and deliver innovations that will elevate the impact of N.C. PSI.

N.C. PSI Continues to Evolve

This three-year strategic plan will serve as a guide and allow for flexibility as N.C. PSI gains momentum. For more information about N.C. PSI, contact Celeste D. Brogdon, director of strategic engagement, at 919-247-6632 or cdbrogdo@ncsu.edu.