Embassy Science Fellows Program (PERU)

UNCLAS LIMA 001061 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/AND, WHA/EPSC DEPT FOR OES/STC for Shirley Hart E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA TSPL AMGT OTRA APER SENV PE SUBJECT: Embassy Science Fellows Program (PERU) ¶1. (SBU) Post seeks an Embassy Science Fellow (ESF) to assist the recently established Genomics Research Unit (GRU) of the Cayetano Heredia University of Peru (UPCH) in Lima. The ESF will advise the GRU in the establishment of genetic research protocols, with a particular focus on private sector partnerships. Specifically, the ESF will provide advice and assistance to on-going research efforts and provide training to GRU junior staff in genetic mapping techniques, microsatellite work and marker assisted selection. The ESF will help establish more formal relations with similar research centers in the United States. The ESF will also give lectures to an extended audience within the Peruvian scientific community. This request has full country team support. ¶2. (SBU) Post proposes a stay of up to two months in Lima in the June-August time frame, with appropriate field visits. UPCH will provide office space, computer and internet access. USDA through the PL 480 Special Unit in the Ministry of Finance will provide funds for local housing and in-country travel expenses. Embassy's Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) has sufficient funds to cover any unexpected supplementary costs. Spanish speaking ability is desirable but not required. No security clearance is necessary. ¶3. (SBU) Background: the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) has recently established a Genomics Research Unit to be staffed by three repatriated Peruvian scientists as principle researchers. The mandate of the unit requires that research focus on subjects of critical importance to Peru's agricultural export industry. The GRU has already established working relation with export industries and collaborating institutions in Peru. ¶4. (SBU) For example, one research area for the GRU includes working with Peru's asparagus industry. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Service (APHIS) recently turned down the asparagus industry's request for a pre-shipment treatment and clearance program due, in large part, to the prevalence of several lepidoptera species on the product. Therefore, Peruvian asparagus must undergo methyl bromide treatment upon arrival in the United States. Research at the GRU will explore the genome of the lepidoptera and develop recommendations for appropriate treatment to support a pre-shipment treatment and elimination of the required methyl bromide treatment. ¶5. (SBU) Post believes that ESF engagement with the GRU will help advance Peru's R&D priorities and is consistent with a number of mission objectives. The effort will help establish a critical scientific platform within Peru for research in applied genetics. The research results will have an important impact on Peru's agricultural exports and can also assist in supporting Peru's nascent agricultural biotechnology industry. With its focus on products of export interest, proposal is consistent with and supports mission efforts to enhance Peru's trade capacity. ¶6. (SBU) Contacts within the GRU have suggested that both the University of California, Davis and Oregon State University have faculty with the desired skills and expertise. Specific contacts can be provide if requested. ¶7. (SBU) Embassy point of contact will be Eugene Philhower, Agricultural Counselor, Eugene.Philhower@USDA.gov, tel: (511)618-2491 and fax: (511)434-3043. STRUBLE