Originally published on cgiar.org by:IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) on Mar 12, 2009
Los Baños, Philippines – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Asia's largest and oldest international agricultural research institute, will mark its 50th anniversary in 2010.
In 50 years, IRRI's high-yielding rice varieties have helped significantly increase world rice production, especially in Asia, saving millions from famine while protecting the environment and training thousands of researchers.
"We look forward to celebrating this achievement and many others with all our partners," said IRRI Director General Robert Zeigler.
"We also want to thank our host nation, the Philippines, and recognize the hard work and commitment of the thousands of scientists and collaborators who have worked with IRRI," he added.
IRRI's Golden Jubilee comes as Asian and world food security face unprecedented challenges, but it also comes at a revolutionary time for rice research. The sequencing of the rice genome is providing researchers with new knowledge that is allowing them to attack many old problems with new solutions.
Dr. Zeigler said IRRI's 50th anniversary celebrations would place special emphasis on the enormous challenges faced by poor rice farmers and consumers. "We can never forget the struggles of the poor farmers," he said.
Several major events are planned for the anniversary, including
· The launch of IRRI's 50th anniversary by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, 17 November 2009, at IRRI in Los Baños, Philippines.
· HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will also open the 6th International Rice Genetics Symposium, 16-19 November 2009, in Manila.
· The 50th annual meeting of the Institute's Board of Trustees, 12-17 April 2010, followed by an alumni homecoming for all former IRRI staff and scholars, both in Los Baños.
· The 3rd International Rice Congress (IRC2010), 9-12 November 2010, Hanoi, Vietnam. The IRC2010, the world's largest gathering of the rice industry, has the theme Rice for Future Generations, and will include the 28th International Rice Research Conference, 3rd World Rice Commerce Conference, 3rd International Rice Technology and Cultural Expo, and other 50th anniversary activities of IRRI. Contact Links More info Subscribe to IRRI press releases or provide feedback on this IRRI press release.
Other events are expected to be held around Asia in 2010 as each rice-producing nation celebrates its research and production achievements.
Sophie Clayton: Tel. +63 2 580 5600 (ext. 2204), Mob. +63 917 552 6082, s.clayton@cgiar.org
IRRI rice photos on Flickr
IRRI Web site