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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative
Two scientists holding a vining plant in a greenhouse

Accelerating Innovation

Our 2025-30 Strategic Plan

Remaining true to the mission, vision and values that have guided our efforts from the start, the N.C. PSI 2025-30 Strategic Plan: Accelerating Innovation marks an evolution in our efforts to drive agricultural innovation through interdisciplinary plant sciences research, education and outreach.

Building on the tremendous momentum generated since the launch of our 2020-25 roadmap and the 2022 opening of the state-of-the-art Plant Sciences Building at NC State University, the plan focuses on refining our efforts to ensure we remain agile, responsive and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

‘Evolution, Not Revolution’

N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative Executive Director shares insights into new strategic plan and answers key questions about forces shaping initiative’s future.

“Since the doors of NC State University’s Plant Sciences Building opened in 2022, the initiative has become a bustling hub of interdisciplinary innovation, workforce development and extension outreach, making a measurable impact on agriculture both in North Carolina and beyond,” he says. 

“Now is the time to look forward.”

Find Out More
Adrian Percy standing akimbo in front of the Plant Sciences Building
Adrian Percy, North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative executive director

Vision

To create a healthier, resilient and more prosperous future through plant sciences innovation.

Mission

To solve grand challenges in agriculture and the environment in North Carolina and beyond through interdisciplinary science, workforce development and partnerships.

Values

  • collaborative science
  • systems thinking
  • purposeful partnerships
  • active engagement
  • grower- and community-centered solutions
  • bold innovation
seedling

Priority 1: Impactful Solutions

Supporting long-term success for the agricultural community in North Carolina and beyond

Goal 1

Accelerate solutions through user-inspired interdisciplinary research to generate technologies that positively impact agriculture.

Goal 2

Drive research innovations and provide solutions to stakeholders by exploring and leveraging new opportunities in data science.

Goal 3

Enable the deployment of scalable technology solutions through industry partnerships and entrepreneurship.

Resources and Programs

Students working with plants in a lab

Priority 2: Advancing Workforce Development

Catalyzing interdisciplinary research opportunities, stakeholder interactions and hands-on learning

Goal 1

Train next-generation leaders to address real-world problems through user-inspired research and an understanding of agricultural, governmental and academic needs.

Goal 2

Provide students and trainees with unique, multifaceted experiences that maximize outcomes and impact.

Goal 3

Cultivate engaging experiences for youth, educators and the public to inspire future leaders in agricultural research.

Resources and Programs

Group of scientists at a round table, with one holding up a computer tablet.

Priority 3: Driving Solution-Oriented Research Excellence

Enhancing research innovation and excellence at NC State

Goal 1

Establish and lead communities of practice advancing technical excellence in applied artificial intelligence, prototyping and sensor development.

Goal 2

Cultivate new faculty collaborations in emerging areas of agricultural technology and biotechnology..

Goal 3

Drive innovation of human capacity, infrastructure and best practices to accelerate high-adoption, high-reward interdisciplinary research.

Resources and Programs