Developing Country Collaborations in Plant Genome Research (DCC-PGR)

The Developing Country Collaborations in Plant Genome Research (DCC-PGR) program, administered by the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences, seeks to strengthen international partnerships and research in plant biotechnology. This funding opportunity supports collaborations between scientists in the United States and counterparts in developing countries. The objective is to address shared challenges in agriculture, energy, and the environment through reciprocal, equitable, and long-term scientific partnerships. The DCC-PGR program supplements existing or new Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) awards, aligning with NSF’s commitment to advancing global scientific cooperation and tackling issues that affect both U.S. and international communities. DCC-PGR encourages integration of research on crops grown in developing countries, particularly those relevant to local farmers and consumers. Eligible applicants include current PGRP awardees, who may request supplemental funding or incorporate this initiative into new or renewal PGRP proposals. Projects of special interest are those extending prior PGRP investments and focused on crops significant to developing countries. The collaborative effort must be based on equal partnerships and should prioritize scientist-to-scientist engagement that contributes to sustained research networks. Examples of supported activities include reciprocal research visits (both short- and long-term) and joint research efforts addressing regionally relevant challenges. Funding through DCC-PGR typically amounts to a maximum of $100,000 for a period of up to two years. Larger budgets and longer timelines may be approved if well justified. NSF funds may be used for travel, salaries for visiting scientists, and necessary research-related expenses during exchange visits. However, NSF funds cannot support research and training at the home institution of the developing country partner; applicants are encouraged to seek additional resources from non-NSF sources to support such activities and to sustain collaboration beyond the award term. The eligibility for DCC-PGR requires the lead PI to be a current recipient of a PGRP award. Partner institutions and scientists must be based in countries classified as “Developing Countries,” as listed in the program appendix. Assistance in identifying suitable collaborators can be obtained through agencies such as USAID and the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) at NSF. Key contacts include Dr. Larry Beach at USAID and Dr. Frances Li at NSF, who can provide recommendations or connections to potential collaborators and institutions. Proposal submission for DCC-PGR supplements is accepted on a rolling basis and may occur at any time, though review and approval can take 4 to 6 months. For new or renewal proposals under the PGRP, DCC-PGR activities may be included in the full submission following standard program solicitation guidelines. The proposal must clearly articulate the research problem, its relevance, proposed methods, roles of each partner, and the intended outcomes. Supporting materials must include curriculum vitae of all researchers involved, institutional endorsements, and a detailed research plan. PIs are responsible for securing necessary travel documentation, including visas and permits for international collaboration. All supplement requests will undergo internal review by NSF Program Directors, with external review reserved for more substantial requests. The program represents NSF’s investment in extending plant genome research to global contexts through collaborative innovation and knowledge exchange.

Emphasize reciprocal collaboration and problem relevance to local agricultural/environmental contexts.