Our grand challenges
Plants, their ecosystems, the soils in which they grow, and their associated microbes are foundational to our health and the health of our planet.
In the face of a changing climate and growing pressure on natural and agricultural ecosystems, our research, teaching and outreach address these critical grand challenges.
Learn more about our four grand challenges:
Sustainable crop production and food security
Safeguarding future food security for all with sustainably managed nutritious crops in diverse production systems, under a changing climate, with minimal loss to weeds and pathogens.
Plants and ecosystem health
Integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation to secure ecosystem and human health and foster climate justice in diverse environments.
Plant production and ecosystem services in urban/peri-urban environments
Enhancing food access and ecosystem services for equitable human and ecosystem health in high population areas.
Biodiversity, evolution, and molecular mechanisms
Understanding plant processes from cells to ecosystems and harnessing fundamental knowledge of plants, their associated microbes, and their relationships with the environment.
Embodying a welcoming and inclusive community
Trust and appreciation of diverse experiences and perspectives are necessary to effectively develop and communicate solutions to global challenges. This requires the creation and support of a culture in which everyone has the opportunity to participate, lead, and grow.
Learn more: SIPS Access & Community Empowerment.
