Young scientists in a laboratory Young scientists in a laboratory

Creating Science-Based Strategies for Gene Editing Communications

Generating Next Generation Crops Solutions
Generating Next Generation Crops Solutions

Program Contact

Sarah Goldberg
sgoldberg@foundationfar.org

Dr. Sheila Ochugboju

Alliance for Science

Year Awarded  2021

FFAR award amount   $189,794

Total award amount   $760,271

Location   Ithaca, NY

Matching Funders   Cornell Alliance for Science

What is the problem this research is tackling?

A recent study found that most Americans rate their knowledge about gene editing and genetic modification in food as very low to below average. However, another study found that despite this lack of knowledge, most believe the technology will bring benefits. There is a thirst for knowledge about gene editing communications, but researchers often struggle to identify how to communicate messages about that research that will resonate best with their audiences.

Why this research is important

This grant is creating science-based communications toolkits that will help students, young professionals and researchers to continue their engagement with a wide variety of audiences. Additionally, this grant creates specific advancement opportunities to increase engagement with underrepresented populations.

FFAR envisions a world where everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. To achieve this vision, we need to employ all available tools and technologies, from organics to biotechnology. Among our many projects developing gene editing tools, technologies and strategies, several of our scientific workforce development programs, like the FFAR Fellows program and the Vet Fellows, are spearheading this critical research to revolutionize our global food supply. The Alliance for Science grant is helping us bridge communications gaps to better inform the public about the benefits of this research. Sally Rockey, Ph.D.
Executive Director Emeritus

Gene Editing Communications Resources

Perceptions about Gene Editing in Agriculture

Gene Editing FAQ (English version)

Gene Editing FAQ (Spanish version)

Speaking Science Digital Workbook

The Future Faces of Gene Editing in Agriculture Webinar

FFAR Fellow Maci Mueller: Pioneering revolutionary changes in livestock breeding through gene editing

Details About this Research

The Alliance for Science is developing and implementing a communications plan to elevate the work of FFAR beneficiaries, like the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project, which is optimizing crop productivity by enhancing photosynthetic processes.

The Alliance for Science is also conducting several training courses, including a session to familiarize US journalists with gene editing research currently under way and introduce them to leading scientists in the field. Specifically, FFAR and the Alliance are collaborating on a training session at Tuskegee University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, to engage young people in science communication and inspire them to pursue careers in plant biotechnology.

How This Research Contributes to Our Mission

The Alliance for Science project supports pioneering science by ensuring gene editing communicators can effectively deliver their message and increase public understanding about the promising benefits associated with gene editing technologies. Additionally, this grant supports scientific workforce development by offering targeted communications training for graduate students pursuing biotechnology research.

Matching Funders

Thank you to the Alliance for Science for providing matching funds for this grant.

The Latest

Insights

Our Insights highlight unique perspectives from across the food and agriculture community.

See all Insights

Indigenous Farmers are Leading a “New Green Revolution” Focused on Hemp

James DeDecker, Director, Michigan State University – Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center Mary Donner, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians – Ziibimijwang Farm Executive Director and Tribal Citizen

Going Nuts: Nut Crops as Climate Resilient Protein Alternatives for the Future

Matt Davis

University of California, Davis

Throwing a Wrench in the Pesticide Treadmill

FFAR Fellow, Swati Mishra

University of Tennessee

Building Tools for Plant Genome Editing

FFAR Fellow, Simon Sretenovic

University of Maryland, College Park

Tackling Malnutrition with Biofortification

Aichatou Djibo Waziri

Washington State University

Wheat: already delicious and now nutritious

Addison Carroll

FFAR Fellow

Dusting the Soil for Fungus-Prints: Spinach Seed Production and One of its Greatest Threats

Alex Batson

Washington State University

A day on the Battlefield: Searching for Perennial defenses in wild places

Kelsey Peterson

2019-2022 FFAR Fellow

Gene Editing is a Real Solution for Climate Change

Nicholas Karavolias

FFAR Fellow 2020-2023

Heavy Metal and Chocolate: Not the Best Pairing  

Zachary Dashner

2018-2021 FFAR Fellow

Herbicide-Resistant Weeds: Looking Below the Soil Surface

Sarah Kezar

2020-2023 FFAR Fellow

Climate Change Requires Novel Sweetpotato Breeding Approaches

Camilo Parada Rojas

2018-2021 FFAR Fellow

Combating Herbicide Resistance

Abby Barker

2018-2021 FFAR Fellow

Even the longest journey starts with one little step

Francesco Cappai

2018-2021 FFAR Fellow

Food for the Future: How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve Drought Resistance

Kevin Xie

2018-2021 FFAR Fellow

News

The latest news and updates from FFAR.

See all News

Developing Smart Breeding Methods to Increase Crop Resilience

Scientists Unite to Combat Fusarium Wilt in Cotton

Increasing Drought Tolerance in Rice

Improving Yields & Traits in US Hemp Crops

New Falling Number Test Prevents Wheat Contamination, Saves Farmers Millions

Domesticating Saltwater Crops for Future Food Needs

RIPE researchers determine chloroplast size unlikely option for improving photosynthetic efficiency

Unveiling the secrets of green pods: The role of soybean pods and seeds in photosynthesis

Grant Trains African Scientists to Improve Regionally Important Crops

Fortifying Wheat Against Heat and Drought

FFAR Grant Improves Plant-based Protein’s Production and Nutritional Content

Promoting Mung Bean Crop Opportunities

Hemp Research Consortium Awards Initial Grants

FFAR Grant Promotes Sorghum Health Benefits

FFAR Grant Identifies Genes Promoting Climate Resiliency in Wheat

FFAR Grants Develop Heat Tolerance in Crops

Hemp Research Consortium Promotes Opportunities for Versatile Crop

FFAR Supports Boosting Climate-Resilient Wheat

FFAR is Accepting Pre-Proposals for 2022 Seeding Solutions Program

FFAR Grant Accelerates Climate Resilient Crop Breeding

Events

Join FFAR at our next event.

See all Events

Crop Health Webinar

10-Year Anniversary Webinar | Informational Session Virtual

Wheat Field

Breakthroughs

Tools, technologies and strategies from the research we fund.

See all Breakthroughs

Accelerating Crop Development with Improved Haploid Fertility

Breakthrough for Accelerated Development of Crops of the Future

Getting to the Root of the Problem: Fastidious Pathogens

Want to do more to support gene editing communications?