Biotech Updates

New Leadership for CIMMYT

October 31, 2007

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) has chosen a successor to Dr. Masa Iwanaga, the Director General. Dr. Thomas Lumpkin, the current Director General of The Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC), the World Vegetable Center, located in Taiwan was chosen to be the incoming Head. Dr. Lumpkin is a well-respected scientist and science administrator who has significantly strengthened AVRDC not only in Asia but also in other parts of the world where vegetables can give positive impact to the poor.

Dr. Lumpkin has a vast experience in agriculture, has years of experience in leading agricultural research institutions, and is committed to address global issues of concern in developing country agriculture. Dr. Lumpkin has an extensive agricultural knowledge having received his BSc in Agronomy from Washington State University,  MSc and PhD in Agronomy from the University of Hawaii that included extended research studies at IRRI and China. He has published numerous books and publications on East Asian Crops.

Dr. Lumpkin will take his post on the 15th of March 2008.

For details, see press release at: http://www.cimmyt.org/english/wps/news/2007/nrelease/dg.pdf