Ethiopian-born scientist Gebisa Ejeta has been honored with the National Medal of Science, the highest recognition for scientists in the United States.
US President Joe Biden personally awarded Mr. Ejeta the medal in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of plant genetics.
Mr. Ejeta is renowned as one of the world’s leading plant geneticists, specializing in the study of sorghum, a staple food in Africa.
In 2009, he received the prestigious World Food Prize for developing a drought-resistant sorghum hybrid that also combats the parasitic weed Striga, a common problem in African farms.
Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop globally and the second most important cereal in Africa. It has become a staple food in many drought-prone countries on the continent.
Mr. Ejeta’s childhood experiences of hunger and food scarcity, growing up in a thatched home in a village in Ethiopia, have greatly influenced his scientific research and fueled his commitment to improving food security.
The president of Purdue University, where Mr. Ejeta works as a professor and leads global food security programs, commended his achievements and described him as “a role model of perseverance” and “one of the most impactful geneticists in the world.”
Alongside eight other distinguished scientists, Mr. Ejeta was honored at the White House by President Biden.
President Biden highlighted Mr. Ejeta’s significant contribution to food security, stating, “By developing sorghum strains resilient to drought and parasites, he has improved food security for millions. His advocacy for science, policy, and institutions as drivers of economic development has uplifted farmers and strengthened nations.”
The National Medal of Science, which has been awarded by US presidents since 1959, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various scientific fields.
In addition to receiving the National Hero Award from the Ethiopian government, Mr. Ejeta was appointed to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development by former US President Barack Obama.
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