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Genesys Advisory Committee

The Genesys Advisory Committee is a group of external experts who help shape the strategy and long-term development of Genesys. Think of them as our strategic compass, ensuring that Genesys remains a sustainable resource for the global PGRFA community in a changing world.

Role and purpose​

The Advisory Committee's job is to give the Genesys technical team at the Crop Trust both broad strategic and practical advice. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the Committee helps us make informed decisions that benefit all Genesys stakeholders.

Specifically, the Committee:

  • Strategic guidance: Advises on the organization, operations, and technical activities of Genesys.
  • Stakeholder representation: Ensures the interests of Data Providers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders are reflected in the development of Genesys.
  • Governance and sustainability: Supports the long-term health, relevance and stability of Genesys.
  • Community growth: Helps to welcome and onboard new Data Providers and other stakeholders into the Genesys community.

Membership​

The Committee brings together experts from the various groups that interact with Genesys. This diversity ensures that the advice we receive is balanced and comprehensive.

Expert members​

Members are drawn from:

  • Data Providers: Institutions that share their PGRFA data on Genesys.
  • Donors: Organizations that support the funding and sustainability of Genesys.
  • User groups: The scientists, breeders, and policymakers who use Genesys every day.

Ex-officio members​

To ensure alignment with global standards and institutional support, the Committee also includes ex-officio representatives from:

  • The ITPGRFA Secretariat
  • The Crop Trust

Current members​

We are grateful for the expertise and time provided by our current Committee members:

  • Zakaria Kehel (ICARDA, CGIAR) - Chairperson
  • Aluana Abreu (Embrapa)
  • Anne-Marie Frankland (BGCI)
  • Paul Shaw (JHI)
  • Stephan Weise (IPK/EURISCO)
  • Francisco Lopez (ITPGRFA, FAO)
  • Sarada Krishnan (Crop Trust)

Past members​

We also recognize with gratitude those who have helped shape Genesys in the past, including:

  • Chris Richards (USDA)
  • Luigi Guarino (Crop Trust)
  • Semíramis Rabelo Ramalho Ramos (Embrapa)
  • Sunil Archak (NBPGR, India)
  • Peter Wenzl (Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, CGIAR)
  • Theo van Hintum (CGN)
  • Luciano Nass (Embrapa)
  • Robert Hijmans (UC Davis)
  • Graham McLaren (IBP)
  • Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton (IRRI, CGIAR)
  • Paula Bramel (Crop Trust)

How it works​

We work with the Committee through regular meetings and collaborative discussions.

  • Leadership: The Committee periodically elects a Chairperson from among its members to lead their discussions and coordinate with the Genesys technical team.
  • Collaboration: The Committee reviews workplans, discusses priorities (e.g., issues like expanding trait data or improving multilingual support), and provides a bridge between the technical team and the global PGRFA community.

If you want to follow the Committee's work or share feedback, you can read the meeting notes or reach out to the Genesys technical team.