Call for Applications for HortResearch Travel Awards for USA-New Zealand Rosaceae Genomics Partnership Initiative

One of the recommendations from the NSF / MoRSTUSA - New Zealand Rosaceae Genomics Partnership Workshop, held in New Zealand in May 2006, following the 3 rd International Rosaceae Genomics Conference, was to encourage the exchange of young researchers between USA and New Zealand.

In response to this, HortResearch offers partial funding to 2 young scientists currently working in USA laboratories, to work alongside genomics researchers in their laboratories in New Zealand.

HortResearch is best-known for its apple genomics research and has developing programmes in Prunus, Rubus and Pyrus. The Fruit Genomics Group at HortResearch has an extensive collection of ESTs from apple, as well as from kiwifruit, blueberry and avocado. The major bioinformatics capability is complemented by re-sequencing, EST cloning, transient and stable transformation (apple, kiwifruit, tobacco and Arabidopsis), to identify the function of candidate genes , and also oligo arrays, proteomic and metabolomics platforms. Key horticultural production traits focus on bud break and flowering, while consumer trait research focuses on colour and health, as well as fruit texture. There is particular interest in discovering the regulatory genes (transcription factors) that may coordinate these complex horticultural traits.

Research areas offering placements include: 'High throughput mapping /disease, tree and quality traits' - Sue Gardiner; 'Overgos' - Elena Hilario; 'Disease resistance cloning' - Erik Rikkerink; 'Microarrays' - Robert Schaffer; 'In situ hybridisation and immunolocalization' - Toshi Foster; 'Transient expression' - Roger Hellens; 'Transgenics' - Andy Allan; 'Protein expression; enzymology, proteomics' - William Laing; 'Breeding' - Vincent Bus, Richard Volz. Descriptions of team activities can be obtained from SGardiner@hortresearch.co.nz mailto:SGardiner@hortresearch.co.nz . General information on HortResearch can be found at http://www.hortresearch.co.nz http://www.hortresearch.co.nz/

Applications are being solicited from young scientists (graduate students and postdocs or postdoc equivalents) working in US institutions involved in research in Rosaceae genomics, for funding of NZD 5000 plus bench fees to enable them to spend up to 1 month working with HortResearch Genomics research teams.

Applications for these awards should be sent by e-mail to: SGardiner@hortresearch.co.nz mailto:SGardiner@hortresearch.co.nz by Friday 2 nd February 2007. Applications must include a cv and a letter from the applicant outlining the benefits of the proposed research visit to themselves and to Rosaceae genomics research in both the US and New Zealand. A letter of support from your advisor / supervisor must also be included. Applications will be evaluated by a screening committee comprised of NZ and US scientists. Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate that this opportunity will directly benefit their research experience in genomics of the Rosaceae. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

Sue Gardiner will be available at PAG XV for discussions about the Travel Awards, along with Elena Hilario, Emily Buck and Jean-Marc Celton, also from HortResearch.