Did You Know?

• Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources scientists are among the most-cited scientists in the world in agricultural research. That means IANR scientists are influencing global agricultural research; when other scientists write their own scientific papers, they often quote from work already done by scientists at IANR.
  The ISI Essential Science Indicators Report keeps track of research that captures the interest of scientists. The Report indexes nearly 9,000 journals, tracking how often articles are cited by other authors. For 1994-2004, it reviewed agricultural sciences articles published by 298 institutions worldwide — both government agencies such as USDA, and large universities — and found IANR scientists ranked 16th in the world. IANR scientists were eighth among U.S. universities, and 10th among universities worldwide.
  
  
• 4-H, part of IANR's extension division, is a national leader in youth participation, reaching 135,000, or one of every three eligible, Nebraska youth yearly. A wide variety of 4-H programs and projects offer youth myriad opportunities to learn and develop skills for life.
  
  
• James Van Etten, William Allington distinguished professor of plant pathology in IANR, is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Membership in the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist. He also has been recognized by the UNL Parents Association for his significant contribution to students.
  Van Etten, together with former UNL faculty member Russ Meints, discovered a new family of viruses called Phycodnaviridae, which is one of only about 60 recognized families of viruses. The discovery in 1981 has resulted in international research collaborations.
  
  
• IANR's extension division partnered with the Nebraska legal system to develop curriculum and materials to teach more than 2,000 people appointed annually as legal guardians for elderly and disabled people and children in our state who cannot make decisions for themselves.


• Neal Ely, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources agribusiness major and owner of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears, was named the National FFA Organization's 2006 Star in Agribusiness at the group's national convention in fall 2006. He worked with the Food Processing Center in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources to develop the pickled asparagus, which is based on a family recipe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.