Plant scientists, innovators

Fifteen plant biologists are selected to take part in a new initiative in fundamental plant science research.

Written byJef Akst

| 2 min read

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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, SUI-SETZ

Today, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF) named 15 plant biologists as HHMI-GBMF Investigators and tapped them to receive a chunk of the $75 million the two organizations are pumping into plant science research over the next 5 years. Chosen from a group of more than 200 applicants on the basis of their "potential for significant research productivity and originality," the selected scientists will receive an initial five-year HHMI appointment, with the possibility to be renewed, and funding to support their research on wheat, maize, tomato, Arabidopsis, and other plants.

“These Investigators will acquire new knowledge about—and possibly find innovative solutions to—some of the most pressing challenges in plant sciences,” Vicki L. Chandler, Chief Program Officer for ...

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Meet the Author

Jef Akst
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Jef (an unusual nickname for Jennifer) got her master’s degree from Indiana University in April 2009 studying the mating behavior of seahorses. After four years of diving off the Gulf Coast of Tampa and performing behavioral experiments at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, she left research to pursue a career in science writing. As The Scientist's managing editor, Jef edited features and oversaw the production of the TS Digest and quarterly print magazine. In 2022, her feature on uterus transplantation earned first place in the trade category of the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.
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