Creating Science-Based Strategies for Gene Editing Communications
Dr. Sheila Ochugboju
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
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 U.S. 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.
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The Latest
Insights
Our Insights highlight unique perspectives from across the food and agriculture community.
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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
Filling the Hemp Research Gap
Going Nuts: Nut Crops as Climate Resilient Protein Alternatives for the Future
Matt Davis
University of California, Davis
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
Combating Herbicide Resistance
Abby Barker
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 U.S. 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
FFAR Supports Boosting Climate-Resilient Wheat
FFAR Grant Accelerates Climate Resilient Crop Breeding
FFAR Grant Speeds Domestication of Sustainable Crops
FFAR Grant Protects Coffee From Leaf Rust Disease
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
Breakthrough for A Novel Bioassay for Culturing and Characterizing Fastidious Phytopathogens