Who We Are? Yemeni Genetic Resources Center

The Yemeni Genetic Resources Center (YGRC) at Sana’a University is a leading scientific and research center in Yemen specializing in the conservation and management of genetic resources and biodiversity. Established by a university decree in 2006 following planning that began in 1997, the Center works to protect plant, animal, and microbial genetic resources from extinction and unregulated exploitation through exploration, collection, documentation, characterization, evaluation, and long-term conservation. It also serves as a national gene bank supporting food security, genetic sovereignty, and sustainable development.

The Center supports scientific research, crop and local breed improvement, climate-change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem sustainability, while providing scientific data and genetic collections for researchers. It also offers training, research, and consulting services and supports graduate programs to develop national expertise in genetics, biodiversity, biotechnology, and environmental management. Its vision is to become a distinguished national and regional scientific reference center that advances research and innovation, serves society, strengthens food security, and contributes to sustainable development.

Center Services & Functions Overview: The Yemeni Genetic Resources Center (YGRC) plays a pivotal scientific and research role in the conservation of plant, microbial, and animal genetic resources through their collection, characterization, evaluation, and conservation in accordance with international scientific standards, ensuring their long-term sustainability and availability for present and future generations. The Center focuses on conducting both basic and applied research in the fields of genetic diversity, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. It also studies genetic variation using both conventional and modern technologies and develops strategies for the sustainable management and utilization of genetic resources to support food security and climate change adaptation. In addition, the Center contributes to the development of genetic improvement programs and the breeding of superior varieties and breeds. It establishes specialized databases and gene banks, provides scientific and consultancy services to researchers, government institutions, and the private sector, and strengthens human capacity through postgraduate programs, training courses, seminars, and scientific conferences. The Center also promotes research collaboration with national, regional, and international universities and research institutions in support of sustainable development and community service.