Priorities and the Process
What Are The Research Priorities of the Endowment and How Are They Established?
Periodically, the Endowment conducts industry surveys to assist the Board of Trustees in identifying current and future problems faced by the floral industry. The feedback helps to focus funding efforts aimed at solving specific short and long term industry problems.
Priority Areas for Research Proposals
The primary research priorities are listed below. They are focused on all floricultural crops - bedding plants, fresh cut flowers, fresh cut greens, flowering potted plants, and foliage plants. In addition, projects relating to public benefits are considered seperately.
The Primary Production and Post-Harvest Research Priorities are:
- Plant Breeding and Genetic Engineering of Floricultural Crops
- Management Systems for Diseases of Floriculture Crops
- Management Systems for Insects Affecting Floricultural Crops
- Management Protocols for Floriculture Crops
- Post-Harvest Management Systems for Floriculture Crops
Young Researchers - The Board of Trustees recognizes the need for young researchers to establish their careers in floricultural research. Thus, the Trustees give special consideration to these researchers who submit well-written Pre-Proposals and Full Proposals that specifically address industry needs. To meet these criteria, the Trustees urge these researchers to contact industry representatives prior to developing their Pre-Proposals. This will aid them in identifying researchable problems (see the Scientific Research Brief that follows.)Scientific Research Brief
As the Endowment prepared for the New Millennium, the Board of Trustees realized it was essential to define its scientific research in order to attract and fund highly creative projects reflecting the current and future needs of the industry. To assist with this task, Dr. August (Gus) De Hertogh, Professor Emeritus from North Carolina State University accepted the position of Research Coordinator. He assists the Board of Trustees, as they review, refine, and monitor the Endowment’s scientific research process and projects. He also assists with educational programs.
In 2002, the Board of Trustees made major changes in the scientific research process. Emphasis was placed on streamlining the time-line, improving communication with the researchers, and improving the quality of the pre-proposals and full proposals. The Endowment encourages pre-proposals and full proposals containing well-thought-out and innovative research topics that are clearly written. The topics selected must enhance the industry and contain a through analyses of the industry needs. Preliminary data is desired and a careful review of the published literature is required. The revised system provides an accelerated review and notification process.
Pre-Proposals - The first call for Pre-Proposal applications is February 1 and all are due no later than June 1, 2008. Pre-Proposals must strictly follow submitting guidelines or they will be returned. The review and notification process will be completed by October 10th.
