The University of Minnesota Soybean Research Center, established in 2020, brings exceptional researchers together across departments to collaborate on projects that improve soybeans for Minnesota growers and industries across the supply chain.
The Center collaborates with researchers across the UMN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences departments of Agronomy & Plant Genetics, Animal Science, Applied Economics, Food Science & Nutrition, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Microbial & Plant Genomics, and Soil, Water & Climate.
Working across disciplines creates excitement and synergy among UMN researchers to seek answers for more significant issues beyond their department. In addition, this work attracts new researchers who do not traditionally work on soybeans, designed to enhance one of the most robust soybean research portfolios in the U.S.
This academic Center aims to attract researchers and funding beyond individual departments. The goals are to expand programs, elevate participation among researchers, promote graduate students, and enhance communications of research activities to internal and external audiences.
Co-Leads for UMN SRC are Aaron Lorenz (Soybean Breeding & Genetics, [email protected]) and Seth Naeve (Agronomy & Plant Genetics, [email protected]). The Steering Committee includes Dan Kaiser (Soil, Water & Climate), Robert Koch (Entomology), and Dean Malvick (Plant Pathology).