The UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Research Center

 About

In 1995, the UNESCO Biotechnology Educational and Research Center (BERCEN) was established at B.U. by the Biotechnology Action Council (BAC). This followed a proposal submitted by Dr. Naim Iraki, and a positive response by Prof. Indra Vasil, (University of Florida, USA) and Chairman of the BAC.

The UNESCO BERCEN aims at promoting the development of plant molecular biology research as well as Agricultural Biotechnology in the Palestinian areas and Arab countries. This aim is achieved by means of three types of activities:

1. Organizing intensive lecture programs, workshops, and courses in the various fields of plant biotechnology for Palestinian and Arab scientists.
2. Training in modern research techniques for young Palestinian and other Arab scientists in plant and agricultural biotechnology at the BERCEN laboratory at B.U. and other local labs in the area.
3. Conducting large-scale research projects in plant molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology.

Outcomes

1. Establishment of  a laboratory for detection of bacterial and viral diseases in plant propagation material.

2. Development of a tomato cultivar resistant to tomato yellow leaf culr virus.