One of the goals of the White Oak Tree Improvement Program is to support white oak genomics research. This includes work at the DNA level such as finding sequences that code for specific traits such as growth, and future insect, disease and climate-change threats. These results will allow rapid screening for improved traits rather than having to wait for years to decades. This strengthens the sustainability of the species, a focus of the White Oak Initiative and an aim that is of critical importance to science, conservation, industry, and our forest-enriched society.