Borlaug Global Rust Initiative

The BGRI is on LinkedIn! Follow our page for updates from across the global wheat research community, including disease surveillance, breeding advances, partnerships, training opportunities, events and stories from scientists working to protect wheat harvests around the world.

Help us grow the page by following and sharing it with colleagues interested in wheat, crop disease research and global food security.

Follow here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/borlaug-global-rust

Researchers around the world are driving critical advances to protect one of the world’s most important food crops from escalating disease threats and production challenges. As part of supporting and recognizing the next generation of scientific leadership, we are proud to announce Shannon Baker, Katharina Jung and Bernice Ngina Waweru as the 2026 recipients of the Jeanie Borlaug Laube WIT Early Career Award.

🔬 Shannon Baker, from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, integrates unoccupied aerial systems, data analytics and classical breeding to accelerate wheat cultivar development for drought-prone and irrigated production systems.

🌾 Katharina Jung, from the Universität Zürich, studies the genetic basis of yellow rust resistance and drought adaptation in bread wheat, with a focus on modern and traditional wheat varieties from Asia.

🧬 Bernice Ngina Waweru, from the John Innes Centre, uses molecular biology, high-resolution phenotyping, genetics and computational approaches to uncover the genetic basis of wheat disease resistance.

Together, their work reflects the innovation, collaboration and leadership needed to strengthen wheat against disease and support farmers facing growing pressure in the field.

Please join us in congratulating Shannon, Katharina and Bernice!

BGRI Honors Early-Career Scientists Advancing Wheat Research Three early-career scientists advancing wheat phenotyping, genetic diversity and disease-resistance genomics have been named recipients of the 2026 Jeanie Borlaug Laube WIT Early Career Awards.

We are excited to join the global wheat community in Italy for the 4th International Wheat Congress.

On Sunday, May 24, we will convene a half-day workshop focused on the progress, partnerships, and priorities shaping the next phase of global wheat health. The program will bring together researchers, breeders, surveillance specialists, and early-career scientists to share advances, strengthen connections, and help move wheat health science from discovery to deployment.

The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CEST in Room 1. A recording will be available for those not attending in person.

Learn more:

BGRI Workshop IWC 2026 The BGRI workshop at the International Wheat Congress (IWC) connects researchers, breeders, surveillance specialists, and early-career scientists to share progress, sharpen priorities, and strengthen the partnerships that protect one of the world’s most critical staple crops.

Wheat diseases do not stop at borders, and protecting harvests requires coordinated global action.

The Global Wheat Health Alliance, co-led by International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Cornell University, will bring together partners across South Asia, East Africa, and the global wheat research community to connect gene discovery, field testing, and pre-emptive breeding for stronger disease resistance in new wheat varieties and hybrids.

Global Wheat Health Alliance launched to strengthen disease resistance in wheat The Global Wheat Health Alliance will connect gene discovery, field testing and pre-emptive breeding to help deliver stronger disease resistance in new wheat varieties and hybrids.

CIMMYT is seeking a Senior Scientist for Wheat Rust Genetics to help lead research on wheat rust resistance and advance durable rust-resistant germplasm. This is an important opportunity to contribute to global wheat health through integrated work in pathology, genetics, and crop improvement.

Please share with your networks and consider applying at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

IRS26191 Senior Scientist, Pathology - Wheat Rust Genetics - CIMMYT CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, ...

An exciting opportunity is open at Aarhus Universitet in Denmark. The Department of Agroecology is seeking a Professor of Epidemiology/Pathology for Agricultural Crop Plants to join the Global Rust Reference Center (GRRC), a leading center focused on plant pathogen biology, epidemiology, and disease prevention in the context of variable environmental conditions and climate change.

Please share widely with your networks and consider applying.

Professor in Epidemiology/Pathology for Agricultural Crop Plants - Ledig stilling på Aarhus Universitet Ledig stilling ved Institut for Agroøkologi - Plantepatologi og Mikrobiologi, Aarhus Universitet

Calling all early-career researchers! Know someone doing standout work in wheat disease research, or want to nominate yourself? Submit a nomination for the 2026 Jeanie Borlaug Laube WIT Awards by 23 February.

Nominations Now Open: 2026 WIT Awards to Support Emerging Wheat Researchers - BGRI - Borlaug Global Rust Initiative Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Jeanie Borlaug Laube WIT awards honoring outstanding early-career scientists engaged in wheat research.

How can forecasting models help farmers stay ahead of wheat disease? The Wheat Disease Early Warning Advisory System (DEWAS) provides subsistence farmers across Africa and South Asia with tools to anticipate and manage disease risks before they spread.

How can farmers use models to prevent wheat disease? Cambridge scientists use cutting-edge models to predict wheat disease outbreaks, empowering small-holder farmers across Africa and South Asia with actionable...

There’s still time to join the Advancing Frontiers Conference (AFC) — registration is now open through December 30, 2025.

AFC 2026 will shine a spotlight on West Africa led innovation in plant and agricultural sciences, showcasing cutting edge research, leadership, and ideas that are redefining how we advance food security and crop resilience.

Join researchers and partners from around the world for an energizing exchange at the frontiers of the field.

Register here: https://afcplantsciences.com

Join us for the Inaugural Advancing Frontiers Conference (AFC) - a virtual gathering in March 2026 showcasing West Africa–led innovation in Plant and Agricultural Sciences. Centered on the theme “Research to Innovation in West African Plant & Agricultural Sciences,” the conference provides a platform for scientists and researchers to share cutting-edge work, receive expert feedback on their proposals, and engage with peers, policymakers, funders, and industry leaders.

Register to submit a proposal by: December 15, 2025 at 23:59 GMT

Advancing Frontiers Conference 2026 Research to Innovation in West African Plant and Agricultural Sciences - March 24, 2026