Jan 01 1986Foundation-supported researchers develop a method to regenerate whole rice plants from rice protoplast, a major breakthrough in the genetic engineering of cereal plants.
Jan 01 1986Acting on the recommendation of a 1984 trustee task force, the Foundation commits $250-$300 million over the next five years to launch its International Program to Support Science-Based Development, designed to improve living standards in developing countries by promoting more equitable and effective uses of science and technology.
Jan 01 1986Norplant, a long-lasting contraceptive capsule implanted under the skin of the arm, is approved in 43 countries after two decades of research and extensive international testing. The contraceptive, developed by the Population Council with Foundation support, is approved for use in the US in 1990.
Jan 01 1985The Foundation undertakes a grants program to help African, Asian and Latin American scientists collaborate on biomedical research relating to the use of contraceptives—a pioneering “South-to-South” venture.
Jan 01 1985A fellowship program for foreign language teachers in US high schools is initiated, providing opportunities for summer study abroad.
Jan 01 1983Grants of $1 million each are made to Columbia University and to a joint program at the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University to foster research and training in Soviet foreign policy and behavior.
Jan 01 1981The Foundation launches a six-year demonstration effort to address the needs of single minority women who head households. The program eventually trains more than 2,500 women for employment through community-based organizations in four cities.
Jan 01 1980The Foundation launches the International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN) to design less costly and more effective health policies. The Network will expand over time to centers at 40 medical schools in 18 developing countries, where physicians learn how to conduct research on their countries’ most serious health problems.
