EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Hundreds of scientists from around the world are involved in a new initiative at Michigan State University to improve cutting-edge research on the increasingly fragile relationship between humans and the environment.
The National Science Foundation recognized this research as a priority and has selected MSU to lead the effort, called the International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems, or CHANS-Net. The NSF is supporting the project with a $1.5 million, five-year grant.
MSU's role includes building a global database of scholars and their projects, fostering collaboration, helping identify and train new talent and raising awareness. In mid-April, MSU will lead a group of scientists to Washington, D.C., to present key research findings at an NSF symposium and at the annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers.
In the past three years MSU scientists have received about $6 million in NSF funding for coupled human and natural systems research far more than any other university. The research focuses on everything from panda habitat in China to development along Nicaragua's Mosquito Coast.
Thomas Baerwald, a program director with NSF, said Michigan State has done an excellent job encouraging researchers to bridge the natural and social sciences in an effort to focus on groundbreaking sustainability research.
"It's a testament to the university's success in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that advance basic understanding and address significant environmental problems," Baerwald said.
Jianguo "Jack" Liu, MSU Distinguished Professor and world-renowned ecologist, is directing CHANS-Net. He said the project reflects one of MSU's primary missions: to solve real-world problems though applied research, global engagement and collaboration among the scientific disciplines.
"This is really an exciting frontier in terms of research," Liu sai
'/>"/>
| Contact: Jack Liu liuji@msu.edu 517-432-5025 Michigan State University Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Chance discovery leads to plant breeding breakthrough
2. BTIs Brutnell leads part of NSF Computational Plant Biology Research System
3. Walkerton Tragedy: 10 years of research leads to breakthrough
4. Rocket science leads to new whale discovery
5. New understanding about mechanism for cell death after stroke leads to possible therapy
6. Rice U. lab leads hunt for new zeolites
7. Rensselaer leads effort to replace 1 of the most widely used drugs in American hospitals
8. A new protein partnership that leads to pediatric tumor regression
9. Carnegie Mellons Jean VanBriesen leads research team on Monongahela River
10. University of Minnesota research leads to new technology to protect human health
11. Slicing chromosomes leads to new insights into cell division
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |