Seed scientists from Iowa State can now share their knowledge with people throughout the world without leaving campus.

A new 1,600-square foot addition to the ISU Seed Science Center includes a high-tech training center equipped with communications technology.

Training sessions can now be sent by video teleconferencing to anywhere in the world.

The addition was dedicated Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. ISU President Martin Jischke, Owen Newlin, president of the Board of Regents, David Topel, dean of College of Agriculture, Mike Peterson, president of the Iowa Seed Science Center, and Manjit Misra, director of seed science, were on hand to speak at the ceremony.

With the addition, ISU has the largest seed science center in the world, Topel said. He said this will make ISU even more competitive in obtaining grants.

“It was designed to expand national and international activities, and to put on more short courses for training,” Topel said. “ISU is looked upon by major companies as the place for training.”

One international seed science project already underway involves training groups from China. The groups visit ISU and seed companies to see how the technology is applied, Topel said.

ISU is becoming an international leader in seed science research, said Misra.

It is also recognized nationally as a center for excellence in seed science, he said.

Misra said by improving seed research, the international trade barriers in the industry can be removed.

The increased market opportunity will benefit the entire U.S. seed industry, he said.

Along with the national benefits, the facility will assist ISU graduate students in learning how to utilize modern technology for teaching classes, Topel said.

When not being used for conferences, the facility may also be used for undergraduate classes, he said.

Fund raising for the project started in the summer of 1995. More than $670,000 in contributions by 40 companies, associations and individuals was raised.

Pioneer Hybrid International contributed $250,000 and the College of Agriculture provided $100,000.