The Young Researchers’ Lunch hosted Andrew Nelson, geographer and head of the GIS group at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on 13 July. Dr. Nelson’s work at IRRI ranges from exploring technologies for remote sensing, to mapping stress-affected rice growing areas, to using GIS methods for assisting in emergency typhoon response.
The group discussed different aspects of GIS research and the areas in which Southeast Asian governments are becoming more interested in order to improve the food security of their countries. Dr. Nelson, who is moving on to take a new position in the Netherlands at the end of this month, said the opportunity to interact with researchers from so many different disciplines was one of the biggest advantages of working at IRRI. He advised the group to keep their doors open and welcome the chance to work with different people at the Institute.
Participants were Walter Israel, Mojtaba Rezai, Leo Ocampo, and Milli Sanciangco.
The Young Researchers Lunch is a monthly meeting for NRS and AFSTRI scientists who are in the early stages of their career. The purpose is to provide them the opportunity to discuss a range of topics, including science and career paths, with senior scientists.