Systems Focus for Agricultural Research and Teaching in Denmark, U.S. and Canada. (3747)
Authors:
V. Langer* - Royal Veterinary & Agricultural Univ. Denmark J. Rasmussen - Royal Veterinary & Agricultural Univ. Denmark C. Francis - University of Nebraska
Abstract:
Agricultural universities in Denmark, U.S., and Canada invest limited research funds on higher spatial scale issues, focusing instead on molecular biology. We have quantified current research emphasis by counting the number of MSc degree topics (Denmark) and the MS and PhD degree topics (U.S. and Canada) for
1999-2002. Each project was classified in one category: molecular, basic processes, organism or species, field or farm, landscape, or global level of scale. We also looked at whether topics were locally based in the country of study or were
international in nature. Topics were highly skewed toward molecular, process, and single species research in all data sets. There was a small number of projects with an international flavor, even though number of foreign students is high in each country. A few international projects (11% in KVL; 2 % in U.S. and Canada) were related to larger-scale questions. We conclude that narrow spatial focus of thesis and dissertation research is inconsistent with socially-relevant farm, landscape, and global levels of problems in agriculture. Our narrow emphasis is likely due to limited resources, little encouragement from advisors, and peer pressure to engage in cutting edge reductionist projects in agricultural sciences. This makes it difficult to introduce systems studies such as agroecology and ecological agriculture into mainstream curricula.
Speaker Information: Vibeke Langer, Royal Veterinary & Agricultural Univ.
Denmark, Agrovej 10 (KVL) Royal Veterinary & Agricultural Univ., DK-2630 Taastrup, ; Phone: 4535282383; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Presentation Start: 2:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 0114)
Keywords: M.S. thesis topics; Systems research; International research; Reductionist science
