About IPG
The interdisciplinary research and study programs at the University of Missouri-Columbia involve research teams from five divisions — Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Forestry, Nutritional Sciences, and Plant Sciences. This truly unique interdisciplinary environment brings together the approaches and tools of all of these disciplines to study plants and plant-related biological processes.
The Interdisciplinary Plant Group is a major part of the Food for the 21st Century Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Food for the 21st Century Program is directed at generating the knowledge base to meet the increasing needs for food, fiber and health for the future.
- Metabolic Regulation of Plants and Animals
- Alternative Sources of Food and Animal Needs
- Specialized Human Nutritional Needs for the Quality of Life
The goals and objectives of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group are directed primarily at the first priority area, but will certainly influence progress in the other two areas. The goals for the Interdisciplinary Plant Group are to enhance our understanding of plant growth and development, to understand how plants interact with and respond to the environment and to train new researchers in plant science. Achieving these goals will lead to improved efficiency in plant production and utilization as well as greatly enhancing our basic knowledge of plants.
This site briefly describes the environment created by this interactive group of researchers as well as research summaries of each faculty member of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group. While we can be descriptive, we cannot convey the energy and the excitement that cutting-edge research generates. For that special feeling, you will have to come and witness it in action. This is our invitation to you to be a part of an incredible revolution.
Douglas D. RandallDirector, Interdisciplinary Plant Group
