Using funds provided under the recently completed wheat germplasm and technology license agreement with Bayer CropScience in Research Triangle Park, N.C., the Kansas State University Foundation has made a contribution to the Department of Plant Pathology in the College of  Agriculture to help establish an endowed chair in honor of renowned K-State professor Bikram Gill.

The endowed chair for wheat genetics research and breeding will be named for Gill, university distinguished professor of plant pathology and director of the Wheat Genetic Resource Center. Gill's career and life's work have centered on worldwide wheat genetic improvement and distributing
its genetic value to the world.

Along with funds provided by Bayer CropScience, the chair will be funded with contributions from other private industries, friends and colleagues.

"This endowed chair will help us attract and retain the brightest minds and the world's foremost experts in wheat genetics to Kansas State University," said John Floros, dean of the College of Agriculture. "Research performed under the chair will address challenges facing one of the most important crops in the world, elevate the visibility and reputation of the Wheat Genetic Resource Center worldwide, and make our plant sciences program one of the best. It will help us with educating the next generation of wheat scientists, improving agriculture in Kansas, and feeding people everywhere."

"We are very pleased that the Kansas State University Foundation has chosen to create this endowed chair to the Wheat Genetic Resource Center with funds from our multi-year agreement with Kansas State University to promote hybrid wheat," said Rick Turner, global head of wheat and oilseed seeds, Bayer CropScience. "Investing in wheat genetics research and breeding education is part of our overall commitment to sustainable, integrated, innovative solutions in wheat today and for its successful future."

Along with supporting the Gill chair, the funds provided by Bayer CropScience will promote the further improvement and development of hybrid wheat production through research and education.

Philanthropic contributions to K-State are coordinated by the Kansas State University Foundation. The foundation staff works with university partners to build lifelong relationships with alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students through involvement and investment in the university.