ICAR IARI Plant Genome Editing Training Collaboration with IGI 2025

ICAR IARI plant genome editing training collaboration with IGI 2025 concluded with global experts and CRISPR advances, empowering scientists across India.

Introduction

The ICAR IARI plant genome editing training collaboration with IGI 2025 has concluded at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, marking a historic milestone in the field of agricultural biotechnology. This two-week international initiative brought together leading global scientists, experts in CRISPR technology, and over 50 participants from 22 institutions across India.

The training series, jointly organized with the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), University of California, Berkeley, highlighted cutting-edge advances in plant genome editing, advanced CRISPR applications, and future innovations in agriculture. With Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna’s institute playing a central role, the event showcased India’s growing leadership in agricultural genomics.

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The Training Programs: Strengthening Global Research

Two international workshops were conducted at ICAR-IARI, one from February 3–8 and another from February 10–14, 2025. Each workshop focused on practical training, case studies, and interactive sessions on plant genome editing tools.

Key Features of the Training:

• Participation of 54 scientists, scholars, and postgraduate students.
• Focus on CRISPR-Cas technologies for crop improvement.
• Training sessions on genome sequencing, functional genomics, and trait engineering.
• Collaborative teaching by Indian and global experts.

These workshops underlined the commitment to equip young scientists with tools to address global food security challenges through sustainable and advanced agricultural practices.

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Global Collaboration: Why IGI’s Role Matters

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), led by Jennifer Doudna, played a pivotal role in curating modules and providing resource persons. IGI’s collaboration emphasized India’s integration into global genome editing research.

Notable speakers included:

• Dr. Brad Ringeisen, Executive Director of IGI, renowned for his pioneering work in biotechnology.
• Dr. Clarice de Azevedo Souza, CRISPR applications specialist, UC Berkeley.
• Prof. Venkatesan Sundaresan, University of California, Davis.
• Dr. Carlotta Ronda, molecular biologist with expertise in synthetic genomics.

Their insights provided Indian scientists with exposure to global trends in genome editing research and its real-world applications.

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ICAR-IARI’s Vision for Agricultural Biotechnology

ICAR-IARI has consistently led India’s agricultural innovation. Hosting the ICAR-IARI two-week international genome editing plants workshop India reflects its vision to integrate cutting-edge genomics with practical agricultural applications.

ICAR Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized that genome editing tools are critical for addressing climate change, pest resistance, and nutritional security. He noted that India’s investment in genomic research is essential to transform agriculture and ensure resilience in the face of global challenges.

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Advanced CRISPR Tools and Practical Training

One of the major highlights of the training was the hands-on modules focusing on advanced CRISPR tools in plant genome editing ICAR-IARI training. Participants engaged in:

• Gene knockout and gene replacement case studies.
• Protocols for high-throughput genome sequencing.
• Field-level implications of edited crops.

The practical exposure was designed to empower participants to return to their institutions and implement the techniques in ongoing research.

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Strategic Impact for India’s Young Scientists

By providing a platform for capacity building, the training focused on developing India’s next generation of plant biotechnologists. For early-career researchers, such initiatives create opportunities to publish globally competitive research, contribute to sustainable agriculture, and engage in international collaborations.

Participants highlighted that the ICAR IARI February 2025 training for plant scientists in genome editing gave them unprecedented access to world-class resources and mentorship.

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Expert Insights: Why Genome Editing Matters Now

Dr. Brad Ringeisen commented during the valedictory session that the pace of agricultural innovation requires “collaborations across borders.” He emphasized that countries like India, with diverse crops and ecological conditions, are vital to testing and applying new genome editing solutions.

Similarly, Dr. Clarice Souza observed that “training scientists in countries with rich biodiversity ensures that genome editing benefits extend beyond laboratories to real agricultural fields.”

Their statements underscore the importance of inclusive scientific training in the Jennifer Doudna IGI led genome editing plant training at IARI.

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Broader Context: Genome Editing in Global Agriculture

Globally, genome editing has already shown promise in:

• Developing climate-resilient rice and wheat.
• Engineering pest-resistant maize.
• Enhancing nutritional value of staple crops.

For India, which faces both climate vulnerabilities and food security demands, such training programs are critical in accelerating home-grown innovations.

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Internal Learning Resources for Students

For students, scholars, and aspirants looking to deepen their understanding of genome editing and related fields, resources are available:

• NCERT Courses
• Current Affairs
• Notes
• MCQ Practice
• Educational Videos
• Syllabus Materials
• Free NCERT PDFs
• Mind Maps

For schools and institutions aiming to build online learning platforms, Mart Ind Infotech offers comprehensive solutions.

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Looking Ahead: India as a Genome Editing Hub

The success of these international trainings marks India’s readiness to become a hub for genome editing in agriculture. With global collaborations and training pipelines in place, ICAR-IARI aims to:

• Expand joint research with global institutions.
• Promote genome-edited crop varieties for farmers.
• Train scientists in frontier technologies for sustainable agriculture.

The long-term goal is to position India not only as a user but as a global contributor in genome editing research.

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FAQs

Q1. What was the ICAR IARI plant genome editing training collaboration with IGI 2025 about?
It was a two-week international training program on advanced genome editing techniques in plants, held at ICAR-IARI with IGI’s support.

Q2. How many participants attended the ICAR-IARI two-week international genome editing plants workshop India?
A total of 54 participants from 22 institutions across India took part.

Q3. Who were the international experts at the Jennifer Doudna IGI led genome editing plant training at IARI?
Experts included Dr. Brad Ringeisen, Dr. Clarice Souza, Prof. Venkatesan Sundaresan, and Dr. Carlotta Ronda.

Q4. What was the focus of advanced CRISPR tools in plant genome editing ICAR-IARI training?
The training focused on CRISPR-Cas applications, genome sequencing, and functional genomics.

Q5. When did the ICAR IARI February 2025 training for plant scientists in genome editing conclude?
It concluded on February 14, 2025.

Q6. Why is genome editing important for agriculture in India?
It is crucial for developing climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and nutritionally improved crops.

Q7. How does IGI’s collaboration benefit Indian scientists?
It provides access to global expertise, advanced tools, and mentorship opportunities.

Q8. What role does ICAR-IARI play in genome editing research?
ICAR-IARI serves as a leading research and training hub, facilitating innovation in agricultural biotechnology.

Q9. How can students prepare for careers in genome editing?
They can leverage NCERT Courses, research programs, and specialized training workshops.

Q10. What is the global impact of such genome editing collaborations?
They promote international knowledge sharing, foster food security solutions, and accelerate agricultural innovations worldwide.