NSF has been a key player in funding plant genomics—it spearheaded the effort to unlock the genetic blueprint of the tiny mustard plant Arabidopsis.2 Following that, the agency launched its 2010 Project to identify each of Arabidopsis' nearly 26,000 genes.3 Other awards targeted the genomes of agronomically important plants such as cotton, soybean, rice, and sorghum.4 The young investigator program adds to the more than $215 million NSF has already invested in plant genome research.
By supporting young investigators, NSF is sowing seeds on now-fertile ground. "Over the last four years, large, established labs tended to be funded," admits Machi Dilworth, head of NSF's Division of Biological Infrastructure. By supporting new people entering the field, "we hope they'll be the next leaders."
The new grants will allow investigators to "take full advantage of data, materials, information, expertise, and facilities" developed in previously funded projects, according to Clutter. To that end, ...
