Shawn McGuire

My background combines natural and social sciences - PhD in Technology and Agrarian Development (Wageningen), MSc in Agriculture and Development (UEA), and BSc in Ecology (Ottawa). This inter-disciplinarity shapes my research . For instance, I look at how social factors influence practices of farmers or scientists, as well as the bio-physical results of these practices.

I am an expert on farmer seed systems in developing countries, and on farmers' management of agrobiodiversity.

I look at the interface between local resource managers and formal research institutions, particularly around crop breeding and seed supply, and around agricultural biodiversity. I also work on challenges facing developing public-sector capacity to use biotechnology for the poor.