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率的能力，取决于美国各地的农业学院和大学是否有能力培养学生掌握包括植物病理学在内的植物科学知识，以及将这些知识应用于农业生产力的能力。然而，这一至关重要的支线系统的历史实力正面临风险。最近的数据表明，进入植物科学领域的学生数量有所下降，全国范围内的教师数量和专业知识多样性都在减少，特别是那些有翻译领域研究经验的人。这些趋势发生的背景是，人口结构预示着未来10年将有异常多的教师退休。这次研讨会将汇聚植物科学相关专业学会的领导人、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战略，以及(3)制定实施拟议战略的行动计划。美国植物病理学学会将担任这次研讨会的召集人，因为植物病理学作为一门交叉和综合的学科的性质，使其非常适合作为关于植物科学的全国性讨论和战略规划的“模式系统”。NSF提供的资金将用于扩大学生、职业早期个人、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伙伴学会，并在波特兰(OR)举行的2009年美国植物病理学学会年会(2009年8月1日至5日)上举行的特别研讨会上提交。

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).