A Forum to Frame Solutions to Bottlenecks in Phenotype Research

Results from surveys and workshops indicate that biologists now making high-throughput, high-content, and/or high-precision phenotype measurements experience a variety of bottlenecks and impediments to progress that range from the development of effective image processing algorithms to a scarcity of appropriately trained personnel. This is generally true at scales of research ranging from microscope slides to crop fields. Our purpose here is to create a venue for attendees of the Plant and Animal Genome conference to:

1. refine our understanding of the nature of bottlenecks currently faced in large-scale phenotype research

2. contribute to the formation of a blueprint or framework of activities that could provide the basis for solutions

The workshop will begin with short pre-arranged podium presentations that emphasize major bottlenecks followed by volunteer contributions from attendees that could be delivered from the floor or from the podium aided by a projected slide. The major themes that emerge from these presentations will clarify the 'problem space'.  The workshop will transition into a facilitated discussion of the activities and functionalities that should be instituted to alleviate the defined problems, i.e. an outline of the 'solution space' will be created.  Ultimately, the ideas for effective solutions will be assembled to create a cogent framework that could be elaborated into a plan of action or the basis of funding request.

If you are interested in modern approaches to phenotype measurement and are inclined to contribute to coordinated efforts aimed at enabling the growing community of phenotype researchers, please attend this workshop as well as participate in future discussions.