An A.D. White Professors-at-Large keynote talk

"Tectonic Shifts in Agrifood Research and Innovation for Development: What is Next?"
Bram Govaerts (Director General, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT); A.D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell)
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
12:20-1:10pm · 401 Warren Hall
Open to all. Reception to follow.

Bram Govaerts is the Director General (Secretary and CEO) of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), appointed for a five-year term (2023–2028). A globally recognized scientist in bioscience engineering and soil sciences, Govaerts pioneers transformative, sustainable agricultural innovations that reimagine farming systems, safeguard natural ecosystems, and strengthens food security worldwide. He champions science for impact, forging bold, cross-sector alliances that integrate cutting-edge research with real-world practices, driving systemic change across agri-food landscapes.

Under Govaerts’ leadership, CIMMYT has advanced initiatives such as the Opportunity Crops and Soils movement (formerly Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils – VACS), supported by the U.S. State Department and the African Union as part of its mission to scale up nutrient-dense, climate-resilient crops (“opportunity crops”). CIMMYT has also redirected nearly half of its programs toward soil health management—boosting fertility, water retention, and carbon storage to strengthen climate resilience and secure long-term agricultural sustainability. Full bio.