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Call for applications: Class II of the African Plant Breeding Academy

December 15, 2014

In collaboration with The African Union New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency and the African Orphan Crops Consortium, the University of California, Davis is opening registration for Class II of the African Plant Breeding Academysm

The Plant Breeding Academy is a premium professional certificate programme currently offered in the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa, covering the fundamentals and the most recent developments in plant breeding theory and practice. Ten classes offered worldwide since 2006 have been attended by 71 breeders from 45 countries, making the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy (PBA) the most recognised programme of its kind.   

The goal of the African Plant Breeding Academy is to train practicing African plant breeders in the most advanced theory and technologies for plant breeding in support of critical decisions for crop improvement.  This includes the latest concepts in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, statistics and experimental design. It also includes accurate and precise trait evaluations, development of appropriate strategies to integrate genomics into breeding programmes, and experience in identifying and utilising genomic data and DNA-based markers in breeding programmes. The instructors are internationally recognised experts in plant breeding and seed technology.  The programme is delivered in three 2-week sessions in Nairobi, Kenya at the World Agroforestry Centre.

This call is being issued for applications to Class II of this course, for which the three sessions will be held:

June 15-27, 2015
Nov 30 – Dec 12, 2015
Jun 20-Jul 2, 2016

Selected students will be offered a fully paid scholarship from the African Orphan Crops Consortium and NEPAD Agency that covers all materials, travel and accommodations.

 

Participant criteria and selection

Classes are limited to 25-30 students.  All students will be from Africa. Ideal applicants will:

  • Have a Ph.D. or Masters degree with significant plant breeding experience
  • Have taken courses in statistics, genetics and breeding
  • Be currently managing a breeding programme in any crop
  • Have proficiency in English language
  • Be available to attend all sessions

 

Application

Closing date for application is January 30, 2015. If the link to the application does not work please copy and paste this text into your browser: http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=13692

For more information on course curriculum, dates, the application process and scholarships, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and the PBA website.

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