Ethiopian-Born Scientist Awarded US National Medal of Science
Ethiopian-born scientist Gebisa Ejeta has been honored with the National Medal of Science, the highest accolade for scientists in the United States.
US President Joe Biden praised Mr. Ejeta for his exceptional contributions to the field of plant genetics.
Mr. Ejeta is a renowned figure in the realm of plant genetics, with a specialization in the study of sorghum, a vital food source in Africa.
In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious World Food Prize for his groundbreaking work in developing a drought and parasite-resistant sorghum hybrid, addressing agricultural challenges in Africa. Sorghum, the fifth most important global cereal crop, holds significant importance in African countries prone to drought.
Gebisa Ejeta’s journey from a humble background in Ethiopia, marked by limited access to education and persistent hunger, has profoundly influenced his scientific pursuits aimed at improving food security.
He shared his childhood experiences of hunger and hardship during interviews, underscoring his motivation to make a difference.
Mr. Ejeta’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, with the president of Purdue University, where he serves as a professor and leads global food security programs, commending him as a role model of perseverance and one of the most impactful geneticists globally.
The National Medal of Science was awarded to Mr. Ejeta alongside other distinguished US scientists during a ceremony at the White House.
President Biden praised his work in developing drought-resistant sorghum strains, emphasizing how it has enhanced food security for millions and his advocacy for science’s role in economic development.
Gebisa Ejeta also received the National Hero Award from the Ethiopian government and was appointed to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development in 2011 by then-US President Barack Obama.
