UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences seeks technician hires, synthetic-biology support and research-center funds

Dean Place presented the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences27 FY26 priorities to the Senate subcommittee on March 18, asking for targeted hires, restored extension benefits and one-time funds to upgrade research and education centers.

Key requests - Synthetic-biology initiative: the college has recruited an eminent scholar (Dr. Scott Jackson) and requested funding to support two faculty positions and one staff member to work with that initiative, which focuses on next-generation plant breeding and applied crop improvements. - Five technician positions ($450,000 total): the House included funds for five technician roles to support breeders and extension work (peach and citrus technician in Griffin; blueberry technician in Tifton; turfgrass breeder and a turfgrass extension specialist in Griffin; and a technician supporting soybean, corn and small-grain extension work in Tifton). Dean Place said technicians increase on-the-ground capacity so faculty can expand extension, grant-writing and applied research. - Extension benefit reinstatement: the House restored benefits funding for…