2018 NIFA FACT Workshop

High Throughput, Field-Based Phenotyping Technologies for the
Genomes to Fields (G2F) Initiative

January 28-30, 2018 | The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, Ames, Iowa

Download Meeting Agenda

With funding provided by a USDA NIFA FACT conference grant, Iowa State University is hosting this workshop that will bring together G2F data generators, engineers, computational scientists, industry scientists, and graduate and undergraduate students. The workshop will expose the field-based G2F data generators, many of whom are public-sector corn breeders, to novel tools and approaches for data analysis, as well as best practices for gathering, processing and sharing G2F data with the larger research community.

Presentation Streaming

The G2F Workshop is live streaming presentations as follows: Sunday, January 28 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm CST, Monday, January 29 8:00 am – 3:45 pm CST, and Tuesday, January 30 8:15 am – 9:30 am CST 9 (all talks will be broadcast with the exception of the two panel sessions on Monday). Click the links below to access each day's live feed.

About

Meeting the challenges facing US agriculture requires the development of more efficient methods for crop breeding. To address this need, the Genomes to Fields (G2F) Initiative has been growing commercially relevant maize hybrids at approximately two dozen field sites across the US every year since 2014. The genotypes and phenotypes of these hybrids are being shared with the larger research community to support breeding research.

This G2F workshop on January 28-30, 2018 will bring together G2F data generators, engineers, computational scientists, industry scientists, and graduate and undergraduate students. The workshop will expose field-based G2F data generators to novel tools and approaches for data analysis, as well as best practices for gathering, processing and sharing G2F data with the larger research community.

Highlights of the workshop include:

• Presentation topics focused on data analysis, interpretation, and collection
• Panel session on entrepreneurship in the ag sector
• Key deliverable – attendees will collaborate on a white paper that will provide the USDA with input on where to invest R&D dollars in this space
• Four graduate student attendees will be selected to present at the workshop
• DuPont Pioneer tour (optional) of plant genetics and phenotyping facilities

Attendees will be encouraged to deploy on their home campuses a strategy designed to stimulate collaborations among plant scientists, engineers and computation scientists. To promote the education of the next generation of plant breeders and more generally, promote careers in plant breeding, genetics and genomics, students will interact with geneticists, breeders and other scientists from both the public and private sectors.

In addition, collaborative faculty and students will be given the opportunity to tour the R&D facilities of DuPont Pioneer, one of the largest plant breeding companies in the world, and participate in panel discussions that showcase opportunities for entrepreneurship in the Ag sector and careers in crop breeding companies. At the conclusion of the workshop the G2F executive committee will prepare a white paper with recommendations and possible next steps.

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Event Location

The High Throughput, Field-Based Phenotyping Technologies for the Genomes to Fields (G2F) Initiative Workshop will be held at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames, Iowa.

Centrally located, Ames is easily accessed by U.S. Highways 30 and 69, as well as I-35. The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is located just south of the Iowa State University campus. From I-35 take U.S. Highway 30 west to University Boulevard (Formerly Elwood Drive) south. The entrance to the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center will be on the right.

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Lodging

Gateway Hotel & Conference Center at Iowa State University
2100 Green Hills Drive
Ames, IA 50014
(515) 292-8600
Hotel Website

Iowa's premier full-service, independent hotel. Our staff can expertly handle every detail of your business meeting, conference, family reunion, wedding or weekend getaway.

Room reservations can be made at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, the workshop location, in Ames, Iowa. Book online using this link (no code is needed when registering on this page) or by calling 515-292-8600 or 1-800-FOR-AMES Standard rates are $109 plus tax per night.

Guest rooms offer a choice of a king or two queen beds, a small work station, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron, and ironing board. Wifi and parking are complimentary. On site amenities include a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, fitness facility, business center, and the IowaStater Restaurant with room service also available.

Other lodging options in close proximity to the workshop at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center:

Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites
2500 University Blvd
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 296-2500
Hotel Website

Enjoy incredible value, excellent amenities and a convenient location to area attractions, businesses and Iowa State. Complimentary hot breakfast, fully appointed guest rooms, indoor pool, and more!

Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center
2609 University Blvd
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 268-8808
Hotel Website

Deluxe amenities, well-appointed accommodations, spacious meeting & banquet facilities, on-site catering & receptions up to 325 guests. Our Cardinal Café & Bar offer breakfast, dinner & room service.

For the full listing of hotels in Ames, Iowa, visit – https://www.thinkames.com/poi/stay/

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Contact Us

For more information or questions about the workshop logistics, contact:

MaryAnn Grapp
1077 Roy J. Carver Co Lab
1111 WOI Road
Ames, IA 50011-1085
(515) 294-3945

G2F Initiative Workshop Organizing Committee Members:

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