Our key asset is our staff of about 1,300. Most are located at our headquarters in the Philippines and we have small teams in our country offices. We recruit our science leaders internationally and they are considered among the best in the world in their fields. They are supported by nationally recruited staff that bring their expertise, local knowledge, and skills to IRRI and help us connect with the local communities where we work. IRRI staff embody and uphold our values that include cultural diversity and gender consciousness. Women and citizens of developing rice-producing countries are particularly encouraged at IRRI.