IIGB
Message From The Director
NATASHA RAIKHEL
Director, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology
New Ways of Learning Lead to a Sustainable Future
The 21st century is witnessing a merging and coalescing of disciplines. A new
scientific language is being invented based on the increasingly multidisciplinary,
multidimensional, and international nature of research. We need to
overcome disciplinary and academic barriers to train a new generation of
scientists to combine innovative tools in genomic biology, chemistry, math,
computer sciences, and engineering to unravel the real world of biology.
Indeed, it will take a concerted effort from educators, various scientific
communities, granting agencies and universities to take full advantage of
emerging scientific opportunities. We need to reshape the education of
scientists and engineers, starting with undergraduate instruction, so that cross
disciplinary and cross institutional teams are emphasized.
We hope that IIGB is a nucleus for this type of interdisciplinary, cutting-
edge science and a place where young students are drawn in their quest to
be a part of this new and very exciting adventure, an adventure that will
dominate this century.
If you dream of something great for this institution, then please contact us! We
are open to ideas and suggestions. Our goal is to build an institute where many
disciplines come together and inform one another; one that is inclusive, world-
class, and a magnet for scientists and students from around the world. We can
only achieve this with your help and active participation.
Natasha Raikhel
Director, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology
Distinguished Professor of Plant Cell Biology
Ernst and Helen Leibacher Endowed Chair
Phone: (951) 827-6370
Email: nraikhel@ucr.edu