STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1.2: Transform the Future of Agriculture Through LargeScale Interdisciplinary Pursuits

N.C. PSI’s foundation is uniquely structured and positioned to help promote significant interdisciplinary collaborations and the resulting collusions of innovation and discovery that occur—all in pursuit of excellence in plant sciences and agriculture.

The benefit of N.C. PSI is the way in which we intentionally bring disciplines and partners together to maximize how hypothesis-driven science can advance progress and drive transformational impact. From our physical and digital infrastructure to Extension’s statewide presence and the global reach of our partners, we are creating an environment that is not only conducive for effective, large-scale research pursuits, but catalyzes them. The same is true within NC State, where N.C. PSI is already serving as a beacon that draws in researchers across various colleges and maximizes their collective focus and energy.

Granting agencies are also increasingly recognizing and funding these types of collaborations that deliver solutions beyond what is possible by focusing on a single discipline. While funding is not what drives academic research and discovery, the availability of and intent behind such resources are a key part of what unlocks its fullest potential. In this sense, N.C. PSI’s mission and structure is ideally aligned with those interests where we are creating the space and opportunity for highly effective, large-scale grant applications. We must aggressively pursue such opportunities by connecting the brightest minds in academia, government and industry around shared passions for addressing agriculture’s most pressing issues – from researchers across NC State and other universities to economic and industry partners. In securing such large-scale grants and solving the grant challenges they help to support, we are not only transforming the world around us but securing the resources that help catalyze ongoing discovery and future innovation through N.C. PSI.

GOAL 1.2.1: FULLY INTEGRATE N.C. PSI INTO GRANTING AGENCY ECOSYSTEMS

KEY INITIATIVES

Key Initiative 1: Identify relevant organizations and secure advisory committee participation or other roles for N.C. PSI leadership to serve in, thereby informing priority-setting and decision-making

Key Initiative 2: Identify core areas of interest of federal agencies and private foundations for funding considerations and ensure service offerings are structured accordingly

Key Initiative 3: Work with NC State leadership to develop standard and proactive approaches to engaging federal agencies, North Carolina’s congressional delegation and relevant state agencies or elected officials in N.C. PSI research efforts and identifying funding opportunities that align with N.C. PSI research priorities

GOAL 1.2.2: SECURE LARGE-SCALE INTERDISCIPLINARY GRANTS THAT HAVE A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT

KEY INITIATIVES

Key Initiative 1: Facilitate the development of interdisciplinary research teams comprising NC State researchers and external partners aligned with agricultural needs and funding opportunities

Key Initiative 2: Provide competitive seed funding to encourage early-stage collaboration on integrated research and outreach projects

Key Initiative 3: Support the continuation of N.C. PSI research projects by connecting planned or ongoing research with future funding opportunities

WOLFPACK 2030 ALIGNMENT

• Goal 2: Ensure preeminence in research, scholarship, innovation and collaboration.

• Goal 3: Expand and advance our engagement with and service to North Carolina and beyond, defining the standard for a 21st-century land-grant university.

• Goal 6: Lead in developing innovative partnerships, entrepreneurial thinking and applied problem-solving.

• Goal 7: Elevate the national and global reputation and visibility of NC State.