About FAFU-UCR HBMC

Our mechanistic insights into plant biology using model plants such as Arabidopsis and rice have exploded over the last several decades.  By taking advantages of this fundamental understanding about plants and the state of the art omics tools, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University-University of California at Riverside Joint Center for Horticultural Biology and Metabolomics (HBMC) aims to advance the basic research on important horticultural plants like tea and strawberry. FAFU-UCR HBMC also strives to educate and empower new generation of scientists. To achieve this mission, FAFU-UCR HBMC has recruited an excellent cohort of talented young faculty, established a suite of cutting-edge research core facilities such as Metabolomics, Plant Transformation, Microscopy/Imaging and Functional Small Molecules, and created an exciting and stimulating research environment in a newly renovated building. HBMC’s research covers a range of basic biology in the areas of metabolomics, signal transduction, cell biology, epigenetic regulation, plant development, and metabolic regulation. 

About IIGB

The Institute for Integrative Genome Biology (IIGB) at UCR was established in 2000 to pioneer solutions for hunger, disease and environmental sustainability - some of the greatest challenges confronting the 21st century. It pursues these aims by embracing advances in genomics technologies and the current trend for increasingly multi-disciplinary research in projects exploring the development of more nutritious foods, disease- and flood-resistant crops, alternative fuel sources and new medical and pharmaceutical treatments, to name a few. 

To address these complex issues, the Institute engages in systems-based research, which melds new computational and technological advances with molecular and cellular biology to increase our understanding of how whole organisms function. For a detailed listing of research areas explored by IIGB members, please browse the People section and read the corresponding faculty profiles.

Mission

FAFU-UCR Joint Center for Horticultural Biology and Metabolomics (FAFU-UCR HMBC) was founded in 2015 and is co-directed by Zhenbiao Yang. The mission is to complement and leverage the mutual strengths of plant biology research programs in the two institutions through facilitating, coordinating and promoting joint research programs, sharing of facilities and resources, and educational and scientific exchanges.  FAFU-UCR HBMC will achieve the following objectives:

1. Conduct joint research projects in basic research on horticultural plants and model plants among individuals or groups of faculty from both UCR and FAFU.
2. Undertake faculty exchange between UCR and FAFU through short-term visits and adjunct or visiting appointments.
3. Host undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers for short-term or long-term visits by UCR and FAFU.
4. Share research facilities of IIGB and FAFU
5. Sponsor joint symposia, workshops and conferences.