‘Groundbreaking,’ President Biden speaks on Ejeta’s work in developing drought-resistant sorghum hybrids, a vital food source in Africa at an award ceremony that took place at the White House
Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, a renowned Ethiopian-born scientist specialising in plant genetics, has been honoured with the prestigious National Medal of Science by US President Joe Biden in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field.
The award ceremony took place at the White House, where President Biden lauded Ejeta for his groundbreaking work in developing drought-resistant sorghum hybrids, a vital food source in Africa, and his relentless efforts to combat food scarcity.
Sorghum, a critical cereal crop globally and a staple food in many African nations, holds a second-most crucial position among cereals in Africa, making Ejeta’s research pivotal in enhancing food security for millions.
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Ejeta’s journey from a humble upbringing in a thatched-roofed, single-roomed village home in central Ethiopia to receiving the National Medal of Science is a testament to his unwavering commitment to alleviating hunger and food scarcity. His childhood experiences of hunger fuelled his lifelong dedication to improving food security.
Purdue University, where Dr Ejeta serves as a professor and leads global food security programmes, celebrated his well-deserved award. University President Mung Chiang praised him as ‘a role model of perseverance’ and ‘one of the most impactful geneticists in the world.’
President Biden commended Ejeta’s contributions, stating, ‘By developing sorghum strains that withstand droughts and parasites, he has improved food security for millions. His advocacy for science, policy, and institutions as key to economic development has lifted the fortunes of farmers and strengthened the souls of nations.’
The National Medal of Science, established in 1959, acknowledges individuals for their exceptional contributions in various scientific fields. Dr Ejeta’s accomplishments were also acknowledged by the Ethiopian government, which awarded him the National Hero Award shortly after his World Food Prize win in 2009. In 2011, he was appointed to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development by then-US President Barack Obama.
Purdue University President Mung Chiang expressed his pride in the recognition, stating, ‘Gebisa Ejeta is one of the most impactful geneticists in the world, a remarkable leader at Purdue in food security research, and a role model of perseverance for all Boilermakers. Our university celebrates another prestigious and richly deserved honour.’
The White House, in its announcement, emphasized Ejeta’s outstanding contributions to the science of plant genetics, particularly his work in creating drought-resistant and parasite-resistant sorghum strains, which have significantly enhanced food security for millions of people.
Dr Ejeta’s impact goes beyond his research; he has also played pivotal roles in shaping national policy and international advisory boards, advocating for purpose-driven research and addressing critical traits in sorghum production. His work has contributed to improving the lives of over 500 million people in developing countries who rely on sorghum as a staple food source.
Gebisa Ejeta’s dedication to translating research findings into real-world solutions has resulted in the development and deployment of improved sorghum varieties, benefiting both the United States and African nations. His work extends to various aspects of sorghum, from nutritional quality and pest resistance to its use as a biofuel crop. Dr Ejeta’s achievements continue to make a lasting impact on global food security and plant genetics research.
