The story behind ENABLE
We believe that crop scientists in developing countries know best what are the most pressing issues to focus on for food security. Still, there is a need for basic molecular and genetic tools in those countries to enable their scientists. Early in Dr. Kate Creasey-Krainer’s career, her own research was greatly facilitated by receiving her own pro bono research material from New England Biolabs. This is the basis of how the ENABLE program started and the idea of pro bono molecular biology ENABLE Kits was born.
The core thought behind ENABLE builds on the scientific expertise of our Grow More team to translate developed world plant science technologies to orphan staple crops. We want to promote equitable access to science and solve global agricultural challenges by providing pro bono ENABLE Kits, resources, and scientific insights.
In our research and development of new technologies, we believe in considering every step in the process: from the lab to the field, to the table. This is why we want to ensure that every new plant science technology is accessible for researchers across the world.
A need for molecular tools in developing countries exists
Grow More is developing science to be:
Accessible: Science should be applied by scientists in both developing and developed countries.
Applicable: Many agricultural challenges faced in developing countries could be solved by technology.
Sustainable: Training the next generation of plant scientists to be independent will lead to socio-economic development.
Impactful: By collaborating with plant breeders, smallholder farmers, and plant scientists in developing countries, we can contribute to food security.
Our plan to ENABLE
Grow More’s global network has allowed us to bridge developed-world scientific resources with developing-world applications. The ENABLE program encompasses several aspects with different aims. As technology and new agricultural challenges arise, we plan to innovate our ENABLE program parallel to these developments.
Pro bono gene editing kits to combat food insecurity
Our first-generation pro bono ENABLE gene editing kits utilize the most advanced and precise gene editing method to date: CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats). They enable the user to generate targeted deletions and knockouts in their crop gene(s) of interest by providing the necessary reagents and plasmids to generate CRISPR constructs ready for plant transformation alongside extensive documentation and protocols. These kits are specifically designed for gene editing in orphan crops and other plants and can be provided to and used by scientists in developing countries. If you are interested to become a beta tester for our kits, please get in touch with us!
Protocols, workshops, and lectures
We are aware that practical tools are not everything, therefore we aim to develop supporting educational resources. With the help of our scientific experts, we have created educational material available for professors, scientists and students. These include:
Dry computational lectures
Wet molecular “at the bench” workshops
Plant transformation overview and collaborations
Downloadable protocols
Optional complementary consulting services
Are you working on a research project and looking to gain insight, advice, or feedback from other scientists? Our ENABLE consulting services connect scientists and professors in developing countries with experts around the world. Our services include:
Identifying a gene of interest
Modifying or troubleshooting a protocol
Articulating your research proposal, grant application
Connecting to a global network of scientists
Gene editing decisions in your country
Discover your country’s regulatory decision on gene editing & what it looks like throughout the world by clicking on the link in the title.
Which applications of technology are considered transgenic and where?
Does your gene edited non-transgenic crop need to be regulated?
Find approved gene edited crop traits.
Become a Grow More ENABLE Partner
Grow More has a unique opportunity to partner with developing countries by providing support through scientific expertise, funding support, and technology. We seek to fill the gap in resources and connect scientists with the tools they need to succeed.
Support Grow More to ENABLE all
Many people ask what they can do to expedite our research or improve food security in developing countries. One step you can take is to make a gift to Grow More to support our Mission. Every gift, no matter the size, can bring us closer to creating equitable access to technology and food. Your gift is tax deductible and we appreciate any assistance you can provide, monetary or otherwise.
