XVI International Botanical Congess

Recent advances in scientific discovery and information management have provided the tools for innovative research, and mechanisms to analyze, store and retrieve information. Scientists in disciplines as diverse as systematics, population biology, genetics, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, molecular structure, chemistry, computational mathematics, etc. have many opportunities to make substantial contributions to common research problems through interdisciplinary research initiatives. Indeed, one can conclude that unless emphasis if placed on collaborative research we will lose exciting opportunities for new discovery. These and other tools will play essential roles in developing the next varieties of crop plants that feed, clothe, and house the world's growing populations. How research activities are organized, funded and implemented will determine whether or not we have made the best use of all of the opportunities provided.