Graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will experience a one-of-a-kind training opportunity thanks to a new program that has received a $1.6 million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
The NSERC CREATE grant in Computational Agriculture will explore the deep-rooted collaboration between plant and computer sciences at USask. The unique program will enhance the shift towards data-rich processes in the agricultural sector to drive economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
“This is an exciting opportunity for advanced training. This program builds on the strength that we have at the University of Saskatchewan in computer and plant science,” said Dr. Ian Stavness (PhD), associate professor in the College of Arts and Science, Enhancement Chair at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) and Program Director of the Plant Phenotyping and Imaging Research Centre.
“USask has been promoting and cultivating their signature areas [of research] and agriculture is one of them. I think this [funding] is recognition of our current world-leading place in this field.”