T he C-FAR Working Groups led discussions on the five C-FAR research objective areas during the annual research retreat at Eagle Creek, March 15-16, 1996. Participating along with C-FAR members were researchers and administrators from the four research institutions. New directions in research needs and priorities outlined at the retreat, along with results from a follow-up survey of members, were communicated to researchers in faculty meetings and in the call for proposals issued at the four research institutions this year. The Working Groups were formed by the C-FAR Research Committee to gain public input on research needs within each of the five C-FAR research objective areas. Last year, the Working Groups brainstormed with membership and researchers, produced a white paper, carried out literature searches and conducted focus groups sessions. Their findings provided a framework for discussions at the research retreat. The identification and prioritization of research needs will allow the research institutions to respond more effectively to C-FAR. To help the Working Groups in that effort, Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant has been named to serve in a new support and liaison role. On staff with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she will help the Working Groups develop and coordinate activities that lead to a more clearly articulated set of C-FAR research priorities and strengthen the coalition.
