10 August 2022, New Delhi: Prof. Varshney will receive the prestigious International Crop Science Award from the Crop Science Society of America for his innovation in bringing improvements to crop science, primarily based on his work at ICRISAT during his 17-year tenure.
Each year the Crop Science Society of America honors and celebrates the achievements of crop scientists to recognize excellence and leadership in research, education, industry, and mentorship; and bestows the prestigious designation of Fellow. At the 2022 Annual Meeting at the Awards Breakfast on November 9, Prof. Varshney will receive a personalized poster of the award added to the Awards Hall of Fame in Baltimore, United States.
ICRISAT leadership congratulated Prof. Varshney on winning the award.
“Extremely well deserved. Another big feather in your cap. We are all proud of your achievements,” said Prof. Prabhu Pingali, Chair, Governing Board.
“Congratulations, Rajeev, for the work you did at ICRISAT resulting in this award,” said Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General.
Prof. Varshney thanked the present and previous leadership of ICRISAT for their support and guidance during his tenure.
“I cherish my stint at ICRISAT, working with outstanding researchers and collaborating with partners in Asia and Africa, which is resulting in recognition for me. I will always be a strong supporter of ICRISAT’s impact-oriented research,” said Prof Varshney.
Prof. Varshney’s research at ICRISAT contributed to significant positive impacts on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in many developing countries in Asia and Africa. Late last year, he joined Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute as Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation. He is also the Director of the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch and the University’s International Chair in Agriculture and Food Security.
Prof. Varshney has also been invited to deliver a Plenary Talk at the prestigious International Plant and Animal Genome (PAG 30) Conference in San Diego in January next year. Previous speakers at the conference include Noble Laureates and Fellows of Royal Society/ US National Academy of Sciences. In his plenary talk, Prof. Varshney will present his landmark contributions in integrating advanced genome discoveries in crop improvement for delivering climate resilient, high-yielding, and nutritious varieties to industry and farmers.
