Who's Who

New Appointments - Agricultural Biotechnology for Sustainable Productivity

Johan Brink joined the team of the MSU-based Agricultural Biotechnology for Sustainable Productivity (ABSP) Project in June 2001 as co-director, becoming director in late fall. ABSP is a U.S. Agency for International Development initiative begun in 1991 that assists developing countries in achieving food self-reliance. It is administratively housed in the Institute of International Agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Through ABSP, MSU has partnered with a variety of other universities, institutes, and private entities in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Latin America on numerous development projects.

Brink moved to the East Lansing area from his native South Africa, where his most recent position was coordinator of the Southern African Regional Biosafety Program. He was also course director for biotechnology training courses for a number of international and Africa region agencies, including the UNESCO Biotechnology Action Council. He holds several degrees, including a Ph.D. in plant physiology, from Rand Afrikaans University. His recent publications focus on issues of biotechnology as a tool for development, particularly in Africa.

Brink replaces Catherine Ives, who headed ABSP for five years. She left MSU in fall 2001 to accept a position as technology licensing associate with the Boston University Medical School.

For more information about ABSP, go to http:// www.iia.msu.edu/absp/