National Workshop on the Future of Education in Plant Pathology and Related Disciplines to be held on March 19 - 20, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City, Arlington (VA)

大学、政府和私营部门实体成功研究和控制植物病害或提高作物生产力的能力，取决于美国农业学院和大学培养学生具备强大的植物科学知识的能力，包括植物病理学，以及将这些知识应用于农业生产力的能力。然而，这个重要的输水系统的历史实力正处于危险之中。最近的数据显示，进入植物科学专业的学生数量在下降，全国范围内的教师数量和专业知识多样性在减少，特别是那些在转化领域研究方面有经验的人。这些趋势是在人口统计数据的背景下发生的，这预示着未来10年将有大量教员退休。本次研讨会将汇集植物科学相关专业协会的领导人、教育工作者、政府领导人、雇主和学生，以(1)了解美国植物病理学和植物科学教育的现状和预测状况，(2)确定共同努力加强植物科学教育的策略，以及(3)制定实施拟议策略的行动计划。美国植物病理学学会将担任本次研讨会的召集人，因为植物病理学作为一门交叉和综合学科的性质，使其非常适合作为关于植物科学的国家讨论和战略规划的“模型系统”。由美国国家科学基金会提供的资金将用于扩大学生、早期职业人士、女性以及来自美国科学界代表性不足群体的参与。一份总结研讨会成果和建议行动项目的报告将分发给美国植物病理学学会和合作协会，并在2009年美国植物病理学学会年会（2009年8月1-5日）在波特兰（OR）举行的特别研讨会上发表。

The ability of university, government and private sector entities to successfully research and control plant diseases, or to improve crop productivity, depends upon the ability of agricultural colleges and universities across the US to prepare students with a strong knowledge of the plant sciences, including plant pathology, and the ability to apply that knowledge to agricultural productivity. However, the historic strength of this vital feeder system is at risk. Recent data documents a decline in the numbers of students entering the plant sciences and a nationwide loss of faculty numbers and expertise diversity, particularly those with experience in translational field research. These trends are occurring against the backdrop of a demographic profile that portends unusually large numbers of faculty retirements over the next 10 years. This workshop will bring together leaders of plant science-related professional societies, educators, government leaders, employers and students to (1) understand the current and projected status of plant pathology and plant science education in the US, (2) identify strategies for working together to strengthen plant science education, and (3) develop action plans for carrying out the proposed strategies. The American Phytopathological Society will act as convener of this workshop because the nature of plant pathology, as a cross-cutting and integrative discipline, makes it well-suited as a "model system" for national discussion and strategic planning regarding the plant sciences. Funding provided by NSF will be used to broaden participation of students, early career individuals, women, and those from underrepresented groups from the US scientific community. A report that summarizes the outcomes from the workshop with proposed action items will be distributed to the American Phytopathological Society and partner societies and presented at a special symposium to be held at the 2009 Annual American Phytopathological Society meeting (August 1-5, 2009) in Portland (OR).