A Young Researcher Initiative for Open Dialogue on New Plant Breeding Techniques and the Policy Thereof
We are aiming to provide you with easily understandable information on Plant Breeding, and techniques and technologies used in this field
We are continuously hosting events to exchange perspectives on the future of agriculture, and what role technologies like genetic editing could and should play
Our Objectives
Inform Society
We host open access information so that society can have an informed opinion on the future (technologies) of agriculture.
Stimulate Open Dialogue
We host dialogue sessions to stimulate dialogue on New Plant Breeding Techniques, their policy and implications in agriculture.
Represent Young Researchers
We aim to give a voice to students and young plant researchers on the topic of New Plant Breeding Techniques and their policy.
Influence EU policy
We want to influence the current EU policy to enable the use of New Plant Breeding Techniques in a responsible, future-proof manner.
About Us
The GeneSprout Initiative is an initiative led by young researchers. We are committed to increasing public engagement and awareness about New Plant Breeding Techniques. We aim to be a voice of young plant scientists in the policy-making process in Europe. We define ourselves as the following:
“A Young Researcher Initiative for Open Dialogue on New Plant Breeding Techniques and the Policy Thereof”
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The future of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in the European Union 🇪🇺 will be influenced by our dialogue on intellectual property! With our Plants & Patents symposium we want to foster a critical discussion on plant patents and intellectual property. Join us on June 15 between 13:00-17:30 (in person or online) by following the link in bio! #genesprout #genesproutinitiative #plantscience #biology #crispr #agriculture #crops #sciencecommunication #scicomm #youngresearchers
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Belgium welcomes three CRISPR-maize field trials 🌽 Belgian authorities approved three new field trials with CRISPR-maize. In these trials, scientists from VIB-UGhent will investigate if the maize plants are more resilient to climate stress or have improved digestibility for bioethanol production when they are exposed to outside conditions. The CRISPR-maize plants grown in the field trials will be used for research purposes only and will not enter the market or food chain. Head over to the link in bio to find out more 🔗 #genesprout #genesproutinitiative #plantscience #biology #crispr #agriculture #crops #sciencecommunication #scicomm #youngresearchers
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Meet Aisha So and find out why she joined the GeneSprout Initiative! Aisha hopes to contribute to a dialogue with the general public on new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) in which participants are open, inclusive and reflexive. The word “reflexivity” can be interpreted in different ways. As Stilgoe and co-authors state: "Reflexivity, at the level of institutional practice, means holding a mirror up to one’s own activities, commitments and assumptions, being aware of the limits of knowledge and being mindful that a particular framing of an issue may not be universally held" (Stilgoe et al., 2013 Research Policy). Reflexivity is one of the key concepts in the framework of responsible innovation, which is used by social scientists to make sense of these kinds of societal debates! #genesprout #genesproutinitiative #plantscience #biology #crispr #agriculture #crops #sciencecommunication #scicomm #youngresearchers
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CRISPR sweet potato – good for you and the environment! By using CRISPR, researchers at Tuskegee University in Alabama have developed sweet potatoes that are rich in vitamins, resistant to pests, and that still taste completely awesome. Sweet potatoes with yellow and orange flesh are rich in beta-carotene, which the human body can convert into vitamin A. Around the world, 140 million preschool-age children suffer from vitamin A deficiencies. Enjoying potato snacks with more beta-carotene could help combat this issue! Just like us, roundworms, weevils, and other insects very much enjoy snacking on sweet potatoes. With CRISPR, scientists can now develop pest-resistant varieties to help sweet potato growers worldwide, thereby reducing the use of pesticides. Follow the link in bio for more! #genesprout #genesproutinitiative #plantscience #biology #crispr #agriculture #crops #sciencecommunication #scicomm #youngresearchers
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Trees spiral to stay in control…Or do they? 🌳 Have you ever noticed that the wood of some trees follows a spiralling – rather than a straight – pattern? But why, you ask? This could help trees cope with outside stresses for various reasons. Some scientists say that spiral growth makes trees more bendable. This could help protect the trees from breaking when a strong wind comes along. Spiral growth could also help distribute water and nutrients. While a straight growth pattern only allows resources to move directly between roots and branches located at the same side of the tree, a spiral pattern supports resource sharing around the tree. Quite useful when you’re partially growing on top of a rock, right? Some researchers claim that the spiralling direction of wood – counter clockwise or clockwise – differs between the two hemispheres. They attribute this to the mostly westerly winds these trees endure combined with the fact that the crown is biggest on the side of the tree that's facing the sun. Pictures/movies: 1️⃣ Juniper tree 2️⃣ Pine tree 3️⃣ Juniper tree 6️⃣ Chestnut tree 7️⃣ Juniper tree Head over to the link in bio for more 🔗 #genesprout #genesproutinitiative #plantscience #biology #crispr #agriculture #crops #sciencecommunication #scicomm #youngresearchers