Print This PageMonsanto's Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program
Recognizing the importance of rice and wheat in global food security, Monsanto Company pledged $10 million to improve yields in these crops as part of its commitment to sustainable yield. Monsanto’s Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program is the result of that pledge. Monsanto established this program in 2009 in honor of two of the world’s most pre-eminent rice and wheat breeders: Drs. Henry Beachell and Norman Borlaug. Their lifelong work laid the foundation for the tremendous increases in rice and wheat production that continue to help feed the world today.
"Without aggressive agricultural research programs, the world will soon be overwhelmed by the Population Monster."
–Dr. Norman Borlaug
The primary objective of this prestigious fellowship program is to develop highly educated rice and wheat plant breeders who can serve as future agricultural leaders. It will be administered by Texas AgriLife Research, an agency of the Texas A&M University System.
To achieve this, Monsanto’s Beachell–Borlaug International Scholars program:
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Provides a full package of support, including a generous student stipend, tuition, applicable fees, health insurance, research fees and travel, as well as funds for the collaborating institution and advising professor
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Supports projects that allow the student to develop advanced breeding techniques, as well as experience conducting at least one season of field work in a developing country
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Is open to students worldwide who are seeking a Ph.D. in rice or wheat plant breeding.
Dr. Norman Borlaug is recognized as the Father of the Green Revolution in Wheat. He developed disease-resistant, short-statured and day-length neutral wheat cultivars in Mexico that were adapted to wheat-growing areas around the world. The famines predicted by many in the 1960's did not materialize and highly populated countries like Pakistan, India and China became self-sufficient in wheat production soon after adopting his Mexican-developed varieties. Dr. Borlaug is credited with saving more than 1 billion lives as a result of improved wheat production. He received the Nobel Peace Prize, the Congressional Gold Medal and the Medal of Freedom. Only four other people have also received these three awards.
Dr. Henry Beachell is recognized as the Father of the Green Revolution in Rice. He is recognized as the most important person involved in the International Rice Research Institute’s development of highly productive, short-statured and disease-resistant rice varieties, beginning with the release of IR8 in 1965, that were adopted throughout the world. At IRRI, Dr. Beachell continued developing and releasing rice varieties that helped lead to self-sufficiency in rice production in the highly populated Asian countries in particular. Dr. Beachell received many honors including the Japan Prize, the World Food Prize and a number of Honorary Doctorates.
Dr. Norman Borlaug Comments on Dr. Henry Beachell's Contributions
