Reflections on What It Takes to Access Germplasm to Address the Challenges Posed by Global Climate Change

Robert S. Zeigler, Director General (Emeritus, )International Rice Research Institute

Abstract: I will consider the opportunities presented by the enormous genetic variation in the world’s most important food crop to meet the challenges presented by global climate change. Defining problems in the proper way can address the immediate challenges facingsome of the world’s poorest farmers and consumers while simultaneously adapting the crop to the vagaries of weather it will face in the coming decades. A convergence of new technologies around genomics, computational biology, telecommunications, and remote sensing incubated in an enabling policy environment makes me optimistic that we can address the challenges facing us. However, this will require adequate public investment and, especially, a dedicated cohort of young scientists willing to dedicate their careers to the task.

Bio: Robert Zeigler is a graduate of the University of Illinois (B.Sc.’72, Biological Sciences), Oregon State University (M.Sc. ’78, Plant Ecology) and Cornell University (Ph.D. ’82, Plant Pathology) He has more than 30 years in agricultural research and development management and governance in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the U.S. (5 years in Africa, 11 years in Mexico and Latin America, and 17 years in Asia), beginning with Peace Corps service in Zaire in 1974. Zeigler’s research focused on the interactions of plant pathogens and their hosts, with focus on developing durable resistance in rice to various pathogens. His most recent appointment was as Director General and CEO of the International Rice Research Institute, located in the Philippines. He is an elected Fellow of several international and national scientific societies, and recipient of awards, recognition and honorary degrees from governments, scientific societies and universities in the US, India, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. He has published over 100 scientific articles, reports and book chapters. He has served as expert resource on a wide range of issues related to the rice sector for governments, development banks, industry and the national and international press.