Professor Rajeev Varshney has been selected to receive the 2022 International Crop Science Award by the Crop Science Society of America for his creativity and innovation in bringing significant change to crop science.
This award is based on evaluation of creativity and innovation through Professor Varshney’s contribution and professionalism to long-lasting changes in crop science practices, products and programs at an international level.
Each year the CSSA honours and celebrates the achievements of crop scientists to recognise excellence and leadership in research, education, industry, and mentorship; and bestows the prestigious designation of Fellow.
Having joined Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute late last year as Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, the award is further validation of Professor Varshney’s reputation as a global leader in genomics, crop science and international agriculture.
Professor Varshney, who is also the Director of the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre at Murdoch and the University’s International Chair in Agriculture and Food Security, said he felt humbled and honoured to receive such an accolade.
“What an honour to be selected for this award and I would like to thank my colleagues at Murdoch University and also at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, my previous workplace and collaborators all around the world for their contributions, support and cooperation; and also CSSA for their recognition of our work,” he said.
“I will be recognised during the 2022 Annual Meeting at the Awards Breakfast Wednesday, November 9 with a personalised poster of the award added to the Awards Hall of Fame in Baltimore, United States."
Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor Peter Davies congratulated Professor Varshney.
“Congratulations, this is another astonishing achievement cementing Professor Varshney’s strong contribution to advancement and translation of science at an international level and putting Murdoch University’s science research on the map,” Professor Davies said.
Also adding to his long-standing credibility in genomics and at Murdoch University, the Plant and Animal Genome Organizing Committee has invited Professor Varshney to deliver a Plenary Talk at the International PAG 30 Conference in San Diego in January next year.
These plenary talks are generally delivered by accomplished and renowned scientists including Noble Laureates and Fellows from learned societies across the world.
The PAG meeting is the largest plant genomics meeting in the world and a unique opportunity to network with leading labs in plant and animal science and rub shoulders with more than 3000 scientists and key stakeholders from around the world.
During the lecture Professor Varshney will discuss his landmark contributions in the area of integrating advanced genome discoveries in crop improvement for delivering climate resilient, high-yielding and nutritious varieties to industry and farmers.
Professor Varshney’s research, while working at ICRISAT earlier, has made significant contributions to make positive impact on the livelihood of small-holder farmers in many developing countries in Asia and Africa.