Center of Excellence in Genomics (CEG) has evolved from strength to strength and today this is one of the key genomics center in the world. CEG has made an important place among researchers globally by collaborating with hundreds of research organizations working on advanced and applied genomics research. In other words, CEG is engaged in developing genomic resources and advanced genomics tools with advanced research organizations and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) partners in deploying these resources and tools in enhancing the genetic gain in farmers’ field. CEG takes pride in serving the NARS partners in modernizing their breeding programs and developing superior varieties by deploying genomics tools.

CEG could achieve above recognition due to great contributions made by CEG colleagues since its inception in 2007. Therefore, we have organized the 1^st CEG Alumni Meet on 9^th Dec 2017 at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India just after the 10^th Anniversary Celebrations of CEG . This meet had three major objectives (1) recognize the contribution made by CEG Alumni, (2) building strong relationship among CEG Alumni, and (3) forming a formal association to continue as the platform for the CEG Alumni to share their suggestions, experiences, expertise and establishing collaboration.

• Recognize the contribution made by CEG Alumni: Research Program Director-Genetic Gains and also the Director and founder of CEG, Dr Rajeev K Varshney, welcomed the Alumni and suggested to work as active collaborators to deliver high quality science that can impact millions of farmers, consumers and society. As a token of love, affection and their contribution in CEG, Dr Varshney distributed a shield to all the CEG Alumni along with CERTIFICATE of APPRECIATION.
• Building strong relationship among CEG Alumni: A complete day was dedicated for this program which was attended by >100 Alumni. A total of sixteen Alumni shared their research work with all the members. This opportunity was well appreciated by the Alumni as they now know each other very well irrespective of their tenure in CEG over one decade. This event also helped Alumni in understanding the expertise lies within CEG Alumni which can well be harnessed by establishing collaboration. A special session was dedicated to tickle the funny bones and better interaction among the members of CEG family.
• Forming a formal association to continue as the platform for the CEG Alumni: The importance of this Alumni Meet was well received and the members wanted to continue such meets on regular basis to further enhance the interactions among the members of the CEG family. To do so, requirement of a formal association was felt and hence, the Alumni members elected a formal CEG Alumni Association with following office-bearers. Dr Rajeev K Varshney has been requested to be Patron and guide for this association which he gracefully accepted.

Patron

Rajeev K Varshney

ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India

The below mentioned office bearers have been elected for a period of two years (2018-2019) and will be replaced by other members through election.

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	President	Manish K Pandey	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India
	Vice-President	Reyazul Rouf Mir	SKUAST, Kashmir, India
	Vice-President	Palak Chaturvedi	University of Vienna, Austria
	Secretary	Rachit Saxena	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India
	Treasurer	Anu Chitikineni	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India

In addition to above office bearers, an Executive Committee has been made containing 15 members who will be playing key role to further functioning of this association in future.

	Executive Committee Member	Affiliation
	Mahendar Thudi	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India
	Himabindu Kudapa	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India
	Punna Ramu	Cornell University, Ithaca, USA
	Yogendra Khedikar	Saskatoon Research Center  of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Saskatoon, Canada
	Ashish Kumar	JNKVV, Jabalpur, India
	Vikas K Singh	IRRI, Hyderabad, India
	Pawan Khera	Mahindra Agri Solutions Ltd, Hyderabad, India
	Sandip Kale	IPK, Gatersleben, Germany
	Abirami Ramalingam	Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
	Manish Roorkiwal	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India
	Pallavi Sinha	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India
	Anuja Dubey	Indore, India
	Sarwar Azam	National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, India
	Manish Vishwakarma	Borlaug Institute for South Asia, CIMMYT, Jabalpur, India
	Ranjan Shaw	ICAR-DOR, Hyderabad, India

The program and photos of 1^st CEG Alumni Meet can be downloaded below: 

Program  here

Photos here