Science Expertise and Communication Skills--An Essential Combination for Today’s Agriculture

BCCA Laureates Lead and Influence

Dr. Adesina Named as 2017 World Food Prize Winner

If an award includes the words “Borlaug” and “communication,” it has to live up to the hype. The Borlaug CAST Communication Award has done that and more. The honor is presented annually for outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors for contributing to the advancement of science in the public policy arena.

Jayson Lusk, the 2017 winner, uses multiple forms of media to advocate for science, as he explains how innovation and growth in agriculture are critical for food security and global progress.

Jayson Lusk (2017)—Department Head, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University Kevin Folta (2016)--Chair of the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Channapatna Prakash (2015)--Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Tuskegee University

Alison Van Eenennaam (2014)--Animal Genomics and Biotechnology Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science, University of California-Davis

Jeff Simmons (2013)--President, Elanco Animal Health

Carl Winter (2012)--Director of the Foodsafe Program and Extension Food Toxicologist, University of California-Davis

Catherine Bertini (2011)--Professor, Public Administration and International Affairs, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University

Akinwumi Adesina (2010)--President of the African Development Bank

 
Dr. Adesina Announced as 2017 World Food Prize Laureate

All of the BCCA winners have shown that science and research are important, but they also know that communication is essential. They “walk the walk” in various ways as they promote global food security. A recent announcement from the World Food Prize highlights an example of one laureate’s extensive efforts to help feed the world. 

CAST recognized the abilities of Akinwumi Adesina in 2010 when he was named the Borlaug CAST Communication Award winner. Known for his work in Nigeria, Africa, and around the globe, Dr. Adesina has been an advocate for agriculture's potential to transform societies. Now he has been selected as the 2017 World Food Prize laureate, and he will no doubt continue to lead efforts to make food security a reality for people in all countries--and especially on the African continent. 

by dan gogerty (top pic from Kylie Peterson; bottom pic from dw.com)