# RCN: A Pilot Program for Establishing Local Interaction Networks to Enhance Plant-Related Research Involving Undergraduates

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (WI) · $452,071

## Abstract

As population levels increase, the need for more productive and sustainable agriculture systems to feed the world’s population and maintain human health is critical. Effectively addressing challenges related to agriculture, food production, and preservation of the environment will require the interaction of scientists with a wide variety of expertise as well as a workforce trained in those areas. This project will support a pilot program to establish a nationwide network of highly local plant interaction networks (“HLPINs”) that will support the professional development of scientist/educators who mentor undergraduates in research and whose research and teaching directly or indirectly involves plants and related organisms.  Each HLPIN will cover a specific geographical region within the U.S. and be open to individuals from all types of institutions of higher education and all career stages from graduate students to experienced faculty. The HLPINs will be particularly relevant and useful for faculty at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), as these individuals often lack consistent interactions with colleagues related to research and typically have fewer institutional resources to support their research programs. It is envisioned that these HLPINs will facilitate information exchange and create research collaborations, both between individuals and between different segments of the plant science community, that will lead to a better understanding of how plant structure an

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2531843
- **Awardee organization:** University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (WI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RYAQZNSJN9Q9
- **PI:** Derek Gingerich
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** PLANT GENOME RESEARCH RESOURCE, Biotechnology, AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $452,071
- **Funds obligated:** $452,071
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2531843

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2531843, RCN: A Pilot Program for Establishing Local Interaction Networks to Enhance Plant-Related Research Involving Undergraduates. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2531843. Licensed CC0.

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