Indian-Australian agricultural scientist Prof. Rajeev Varshney has been recognised as one of the world’s leading innovators in food security after being named to the 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP) list by the World Food Prize Foundation.
Prof. Varshney, Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI), the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, and Murdoch University’s International Chair in Agriculture and Food Security, is one of only four Australians to have received the honour since the list was launched in 2024.
Prof. Varshney said the honour was particularly meaningful because of the influence of renowned agronomist Norman Borlaug on his career.
“Dr Norman Borlaug is one of my biggest inspirations and played a significant role in my decision to dedicate my career to applying genomics and genetics in the fight against global food insecurity,” he said in a statement.
“To be recognised by the Foundation he established is an incredible honour.”
Prof. Varshney said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of researchers, collaborators and funding partners working to improve food security, agricultural sustainability and farmer prosperity.
The 2026 TAP cohort comprises 40 innovators from 30 countries across six continents, including scientists, policymakers, farmers and entrepreneurs working to address global food security challenges.
Prof. Varshney was recognised for his pioneering work in genomics-assisted breeding, helping transform advanced genetic research into practical tools for crop improvement programs across Asia and Africa.
As Principal Investigator of the Gates Foundation-backed Tropical Legumes Project, he helped deliver 266 improved legume varieties and nearly 500,000 tonnes of certified seed to farmers across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Foundation also highlighted his efforts to make genomics-assisted breeding more accessible in low-income countries by developing affordable high-throughput genotyping platforms, enabling plant breeders to use technologies that were previously limited to well-funded research institutions.
Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Prof. Andrew Deeks praised the achievement, describing Professor Varshney as one of Australia’s most exceptional agricultural researchers.
“Professor Varshney has always been passionate about delivering tangible research results that support efforts to usher in a globally food-secure future,” Prof. Deeks said.
“As only the fourth Australian to be recognised as a Top Agri-food Pioneer, Prof Varshney has established himself as one of Australia’s most exceptional agricultural researchers, whose impact on breeders, farmers and consumers continues to shape outcomes across the globe.”
Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof. Peter Eastwood said the recognition reflected both Prof. Varshney’s scientific excellence and his commitment to developing innovative solutions to global food security challenges.
The 2026 TAP honourees will be formally recognised at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in October. The list, now in its third year, celebrates individuals driving innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing food security challenges.
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