GRIPP: Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation
Plants play a fundamental role in sustaining all forms of life on the planet though food, fiber, fuel, shelter and medicine. Unfortunately, one third of all plant species on earth are under threat of extinction due to overharvest, diseases, pollution, and the escalating loss of natural habitats resulting from the activities of a rapidly growing human population. Rising global temperature and climate changes are even more serious threats to survival of many plant species. Such rapid loss in plant biodiversity has serious consequences for the health and resilience of all ecosystems and for the quality of human life. Undoubtedly, the need to develop efficient and effective strategies for conserving threatened plant species is crucial and urgent.
The mission of GRIPP is to preserve endangered plant species through research, education, and service programs. GRIPP will focus on developing international, interdisciplinary research and educational programs to improve the strategies and technologies for multiplication and conservation of plant species of ecological importance. GRIPP will also provide a platform for undergraduate and graduate students as well as other professionals and environmentalists to learn, envision, and disseminate information on plant conservation and environmental consciousness.
The Institute will operate in three areas:
- In Vitro Conservation of Endangered Plant Species
- Cloning of American Elm (Ulmus americana L.)
- Development of Protoplast Isolation and Fusion Technologies
- Highly Qualified Personnel: GRIPP will support undergraduate and graduate students as well as post-doctoral researchers in interdisciplinary areas of research on plant conservation.
- The Community: GRIPP will develop outreach programs to inform and, educate the community including school children about the value of plant species locally and globally. GRIPP will develop and host workshops, field days and incorporate web based interactive resources to disseminate information on plant conservation strategies and environmental consciousness.
The institute will provide resources such as novel plants, educational tools, and advice on conservation and commercialization of plant biodiversity to the horticulture industry, botanical gardens, and other interested institutions.
For more information, please visit the GRIPP website.