IRRI Scientist Bas Bouman Among 2024 World Food Prize Top Agri-food Innovators

The World Food Prize Foundation has recognized Dr. Bas Bouman, a prominent scientist from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), as one of its first 2024 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP). This prestigious TAP list is a new initiative launched by the Foundation to mark its 38th anniversary, highlighting 38 leading innovators from 20 countries across six continents who are making significant contributions to transforming global food systems.

The TAP list honors individuals from diverse backgrounds and career focuses, ranging from farming and crop science to agtech, nutrition, education, and advocacy. It aims to acknowledge those who are driving innovation in the food and agriculture sectors, contributing to food security, sustainability, and improved livelihoods.

Dr. Bouman, an agricultural engineer and agro-ecologist, has over 35 years of experience in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. He is a globally recognized expert in sustainable agricultural development and food security, particularly in water management and rice cultivation. His extensive career includes leadership roles on various international advisory bodies, such as the CGIAR Board and the Sustainable Rice Platform. From 2012 to 2022, he served as the Director of the CGIAR Research Program on Rice (GRiSP), which coordinated a global partnership of over 900 organizations focused on advancing rice research for development.

Currently, Dr. Bouman is the Research Director and Head of the Sustainable Impact through Rice-Based Systems Department at IRRI. Under his leadership, this multidisciplinary division, comprising approximately 200 staff members, focuses on a wide range of research areas including agronomy, climate change, digital agriculture, and gender research, among others.

Also named in the first TAP list is Dr. Samarendu Mohanty, a former IRRI scientist and head of Social Sciences. The Foundation envisions the TAP list to expand annually, fostering a global network of innovators who will collaborate to advance food systems.

These pioneers will be featured at the 2024 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, scheduled for October 29-31.