Los Baños, Philippines
March 12, 2009
The
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Asia’s largest
and oldest international agricultural research institute, will
mark its 50th anniversary in 2010.
In 50 years, IRRI’s high-yielding rice varieties have helped
significantly increase world rice production, especially in
Asia, saving millions from famine while protecting the
environment and training thousands of researchers.
“We look forward to celebrating this achievement and many others
with all our partners,” said IRRI Director General Robert
Zeigler.
“We also want to thank our host nation, the Philippines, and
recognize the hard work and commitment of the thousands of
scientists and collaborators who have worked with IRRI,” he
added.
IRRI’s Golden Jubilee comes as Asian and world food security
face unprecedented challenges, but it also comes at a
revolutionary time for rice research. The sequencing of the rice
genome is providing researchers with new knowledge that is
allowing them to attack many old problems with new solutions.
Dr. Zeigler said IRRI’s 50th anniversary celebrations would
place special emphasis on the enormous challenges faced by poor
rice farmers and consumers. “We can never forget the struggles
of the poor farmers,” he said.
Several major events are planned for the anniversary, including
- The launch of IRRI’s 50th
anniversary by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn of Thailand, 17 November 2009, at IRRI in Los
Baños, Philippines.
- HRH Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn will also open the 6th International Rice
Genetics Symposium, 16-19 November 2009, in Manila.
- The 50th annual meeting of
the Institute’s Board of Trustees, 12-17 April 2010,
followed by an alumni homecoming for all former IRRI staff
and scholars, both in Los Baños.
- The 3rd International Rice
Congress (IRC2010), 9-12 November 2010, Hanoi, Vietnam. The
IRC2010, the world's largest gathering of the rice industry,
has the theme Rice for Future Generations, and will include
the 28th International Rice Research Conference, 3rd World
Rice Commerce Conference, 3rd International Rice Technology
and Cultural Expo, and other 50th anniversary activities of
IRRI.
Other events are expected to be
held around Asia in 2010 as each rice-producing nation
celebrates its research and production achievements. |
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