Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute


Search


Home	Print View

The Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute

Members of the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute are faculty who are interested in the successful development and application of genomics and the resulting societal and environmental impact.

Advances in genomics have already had a major impact on how we conduct modern biological experimentation. The flood of information acquired via genomics research and its application to biological problems make it extremely challenging to predict where the field of genomics will be in the next ten years.

Progress

BTI Jr.Scientist Nick Hahn programs a Biomek workstation

in discovering the function of the majority of sequenced genes is even less predictable, but it seems likely that in ten years, most genes will have functions assigned and we will be investigating their complex interactions - overall, an activity known as “functional genomics.”

A critical question facing biologists will be how genomic information and technologies will be utilized for investigating biological questions that range from the basic to applied science in microbes and plants, an activity defined

Dr. Haiping Li centrifuges samples in Dr. Dan O'Sullivan's lab

as “translational genomics.” The interactions of plants and microbes in nature are prevalent and useful in agriculture, making the combination of microbial and plant genomics even more important.

The scientific aim of the Institute is to enhance the development of functional and translational genomics concomitantly with the expansion of bioinformatics capabilities and the development of specialized instrumentation.

Within the University community, the Institute facilitates crosscutting

Pipetting samples for PCR

communications among faculty engaged in diverse areas of genomics research. Building public awareness about genomics and its applications in a social and ethical context is one of MPGI's outreach functions. In addition, training outstanding students for the 21st century in this important biological field is a major goal. These are among the activities designed to bring benefits from genomics to Minnesotans, the nation, and the world.

MPGI Membership

To better meet the needs of the diverse faculty associated with MPGI, members are divided into two categories: Full members, and Associate members.

MPGI Mission

The mission of the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute (MPGI) is to promote advances in microbial and plant genomics, genomics-enabled science, and molecular genetics for the benefit of society. The Institute supports research, educational and outreach activities that foster a multi-disciplinary interchange of ideas and cutting-edge technologies and their applications. Activities of the Institute contribute to basic science and the translation of genomics for applications to the environment, agriculture, and human health.

News

Cargill Sculpture Artist Exhibits at Weisman
4/28/2009

Opportunities

MPGI Travel Grant (January 1, 2010 - June 30, 2010)
10/21/2009