Its studies will respond to increasing public pressure for the use of naturally derived products, particularly in the agro-chemical industry which remains dependent on synthetic control agents that are often environmentally unsafe. For example, as a result of discoveries made in the human genome project, natural products are providing a source of extremely selective inhibitors that may prove to be viable new drugs often with decreased toxicity. The Center's research will lead to the development of new crops as well as new industries that commercialize natural products.
Novel leads for the development of new generations of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Strong emphasis will be placed on training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, as well as providing independent study and internship opportunities for undergraduate students. The Center will be administered through the Agricultural Experiment Station in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with advisory roles by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies and the Colleges of Agriculture, Science, Pharmacy, and Medicine. The activity will be conducted in existing office and lab space as well as experimental field plots committed by the Office of Arid Lands Studies, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and other participating units.