Program Profile

Description

The Interactive Resource Center & Helpdesk was developed in 2005 by the Cornell University Institute for Genomic Diversity as a support tool for scientists worldwide, with a particular focus on those working on implementing molecular marker assisted plant breeding and plant genetic diversity assessment programs. The IRC now includes a large number of resources for scientists, including:• Protocols (DNA extractions, PCR, AFLPs, etc.) • Tutorials (using databases, genetic mapping, etc.) • Molecular marker learning modules • Literature and links to journals and news• General resources (using the internet, writing proposals, etc.) • Funding opportunities• A recently added ‘Find Lab Products’• “Find Lab Products” (where to buy laboratory supplies, with links to finding regional sales representatives)• A new “Sorghum & Millet” sectionA Helpdesk is available for scientists’ to ask questions. The site has been viewed by nearly 3000 “unique visitors” so far this year. Questions to the Helpdesk have ranged from technical issues such as DNA extraction and PCR troubleshooting to data analysis and software questions. A section specifically for sorghum and millet researchers includes a selected list of important publications, data available for downloading, links to other available data and mapping information, as well as a contact list for sorghum researchers. The IRC is supported in part by the Generation Challenge Program and the Syngenta Foundation. We also have a strong relationship with the African Molecular Marker Applications Network (AMMANET); their users are frequent IRC users and have given much positive feedback.

Target Countries

No target countries have been selected.

Target Regions

Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America