UC Exotics/Invasives Program—Important Announcement

There will be no call for new proposals for 2007-2008 funding by the UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program, and it is unlikely that new projects will be funded during the next several years.  However, funding commitments to all projects that began in 2005-06 or 2006-07 are assured and investigators will receive funds on schedule.

This program was funded through a Special Research Grant from USDA.  These grants are part of the Congressional earmarks that have received so much attention recently.  Congress removed all earmarks from the current year’s budget, including the funds that would have been used to fund new Exotics Program grants over the next three years. The number of these special projects that UC may request has been reduced, and the prospect for future earmark funding is unclear.

The Exotics Program has funded researchers working on more than 100 projects that address more than 100 pest problems in nine disciplines.  As the program ends, we’ll be working to get the word out about the successes of the program and its investigators, including publishing stories such as news releases or other reports, and holding workshops to feature the work sponsored by the program.  In addition, program leaders will be looking for other avenues to fund this important area of research.

Peter B. Goodell, Principal Investigator and Interim Director, UC IPM
Mark Hoddle, Project Director and Director, UCR Center for Invasive Species Research
UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program