MEDIA RELEASE Posted on 4:54 pm, Wednesday, September 7, 201
The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has received $500,000 from Monsanto Company to establish the Monsanto Research Fellows Fund.
The fund will assist graduate students pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. degree and post doctoral researchers at the College related to the study of plant science and protection.
“We are very grateful to Monsanto Company for its generous financial support of CTAHR students engaged in agricultural research – Hawaii’s future leaders of sustainable industries and a strong, diversified economy,” said UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw.
The goal of the new fund is to enable eligible students to enhance their educational and professional development through fellowship programs, including financial support for student research and participation in national professional conferences.
“We are deeply appreciative of Monsanto’s investment in our college and students,” said Dr. Sylvia Yuen, CTAHR’s interim dean. “Because of workforce shortages, there is a critical need to educate the next generation of researchers preparing to tackle the difficult problem of producing more food on less land in a sustainable way, using less water and energy, to feed a growing population. This gift will allow CTAHR to attract the best and brightest young people to engage in this important work.”
This gift is part of the Monsanto Fellows in Plant Breeding Program, designed to prepare students for successful careers in plant breeding and encourage the development of future leaders in the agricultural industry.
Monsanto additionally supports higher education in Hawaii through internships, scholarships, facility tours and contributions toward various educational programs.
“Many leaders and agricultural experts – including Governor Abercrombie, Chair Kokubun of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau – have expressed how vital it is for Hawaii’s agricultural industry to be strong and vibrant, not just today, but tomorrow and beyond as well,” said Fred Perlak, Ph.D., vice president of research and business operations for Monsanto in Hawaii. “This gift to CTAHR is an effort to do our part toward contributing to this greater goal.”
The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is committed to the preparation of students and all citizens of Hawaii for life in the global community through research and educational programs supporting tropical agricultural systems that foster viable communities, a diversified economy, and a healthy environment. CTAHR actively helps Hawaii diversify its economy, ensure a sustainable environment, and strengthen its communities, and serves as the premier resource for tropical agricultural systems and natural resource management in the Asia-Pacific region.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa serves approximately 20,000 students pursuing more than 225 different degrees. Coming from every Hawaiian island, every state in the nation, and more than 100 countries, UH Manoa students matriculate in an enriching environment for the global exchange of ideas.
The University of Hawaii Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawaii System. Our mission is to unite our donors’ passions with the University of Hawaii’s aspirations to benefit the people of Hawaii and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships.
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world’s natural resources such as water and energy.
Source: http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/09/07/monsanto-funds-education-research-at-uh/
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