Indian-Australian agricultural scientist Rajeev Varshney has been recognised as one of the world’s leading food security innovators 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, the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, and International Chair in Agriculture and Food Security at Murdoch University, is one of only four Australians to receive the honour since the TAP list was introduced in 2024.
He said the recognition held special significance because of the influence of renowned agronomist Norman Borlaug on his career.
“Dr Norman Borlaug is one of my greatest inspirations and played a major role in my decision to dedicate my career to using genomics and genetics to combat global food insecurity,” Prof. Varshney said.
He added that the award reflects the collective efforts of researchers, collaborators and funding partners working to improve food security, agricultural sustainability and farmer livelihoods worldwide.
The 2026 TAP cohort includes 40 innovators from 30 countries across six continents, representing science, policymaking, farming and entrepreneurship. Prof. Varshney was recognised for his groundbreaking work in genomics-assisted breeding, which has helped translate advanced genetic research into practical crop improvement tools for farmers across Asia and Africa.
As Principal Investigator of the Gates Foundation-supported Tropical Legumes Project, he helped develop 266 improved legume varieties and facilitated the distribution of nearly 500,000 tonnes of certified seed to farmers in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Foundation also acknowledged his efforts to make genomics-assisted breeding technologies more affordable and accessible in low-income countries through the development of cost-effective high-throughput genotyping platforms.
Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks praised Prof. Varshney’s achievement, describing him as one of Australia’s most distinguished agricultural researchers whose work is helping advance global food security.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Peter Eastwood said the recognition highlights both Prof. Varshney’s scientific excellence and his commitment to delivering innovative solutions to global agricultural challenges.
The 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers will be formally honoured at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, this October. The annual list celebrates individuals making significant contributions to addressing some of the world’s most urgent food security challenges.