Norman Borlaug, 1914-2009
Author: ebarboniDr. Norman Borlaug, a pioneer in crop science whose work is credited with saving over a billion lives, died late Saturday night at his home in Dallas, Texas. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family as we reflect upon the life of this extraordinary man.
We want to provide a place for the biotech community to talk about Dr. Borlaug’s impact and lasting legacy, so please leave your thoughts and remembrances in the comments below.
Rice and wheat varieties developed using Dr. Borlaug’s research sparked what is now known as the Green Revolution. They allowed developing countries to increase crop yields fast enough to feed their growing populations and spared millions of acres of virgin land from being converted to grow crops. Among the dozens of awards and honors bestowed upon Dr. Borlaug during his lifetime were the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Congressional Gold Medal.
In a statement issued today, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood highlighted the remarkable body of work Dr. Borlaug leaves behind:
“Borlaug applied scientific innovation, compassion for the poor, and expert knowledge of agricultural practices to develop and introduce groundbreaking technologies that will forever change the prospects of poor and hungry people around the globe.”
Read the full statement here.
IAmBiotech readers offered their own tributes to Dr. Borlaug’s achievements on the occasion of his 95th birthday this past March.
One reader called Borlaug “A TRUE American Hero.”
Another wrote that Borlaug’s legacy, “serves as a reminder that the work of a single person can affect the world in a profound way.”
A third had this to say to Dr. Borlaug: “When history looks back and identifies the dozen or so people in my lifetime who made a positive difference in the world, you’re going to be one of them – and a highlight of my life was meeting you once a decade or so back and shaking your hand.”
As you reflect on Dr. Borlaug’s life and legacy, here are two (very different) videos that capture the stature and lifetime achievement of this great man:
Tell us how breakthroughs in biotech are enriching lives and win tickets to
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12 Responses for "Norman Borlaug, 1914-2009"
[...] MORE [...]
[...] IAm Biotech: Norman Borlaug, 1914-2009 [...]
[...] On a much sadder note, one of the most important men of the 20th Century, Dr. Norman Borlaug, died over the weekend. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the man who fed over a billion people. If you would like to leave your own condolences, we encourage you to join the biotech community in saying good-bye here. [...]
[...] read our tribute post here and post your remembrances in the [...]
[...] Borlaug is considered the father of the Green Revolution. His work has allowed for plants to produce far more food and to still grow in harsh environments. [...]
I’ve worked at BIO for almost two years but did not have a full appreciation of this man’s vision and commitment until he died. I understand that some people believe the high prices they are paying for organic foods are purchasing a superior product, but I hope they can also appreciate that Dr. Borlaug’s vision — indeed the vision for all plant modifications throughout history – was to feed more people on less land. And that is a charitable mission we should all embrace, no matter what we put in our grocery carts.
I don’t know but only a few people who know how important Nobel Prize winner Norman Borlaug’s achievements were and how much he contributed to Global Hunger. My deepest respect to him and may his memory live on. –blake
Hey, I’m going to do a paper on this great man. If anyone could post a site with a detailed biography or him, and his work. That would be great!
Has he left behind his successor(s)? It is certainly hoped so.
If this man can do it, i can.
I first heard about GM crops in the 90s, and was amazed at the success they have had in reducing the world’s hunger. I didn’t learn about Dr. Borlaug until around 2001, and I was again amazed at the hard work, intelligence, and creativity that defined his professional life.
On September 24, 2009, I sent a letter of appreciation and praise to his email at Texas A&M, telling him how he inspired me, and asking for advice on my future as a microbiologist. I learned only today, that he had passed two weeks prior to my letter’s arrival.
I am deeply saddened to know that I will never be able to meet him or speak with him. He has become a personal hero of mine, and will remain so in perpetuity. His affect on the planet will thankfully be very difficult to erase. Godspeed, Dr. Borlaug. We who remain are forever in your debt, especially the 1 billion of us who now draw breath because of your work.
[...] Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Congressional Gold Medal “(http://iambiotech.org/2009/09/14/norman-borlaug-1914-2009/?gclid=CJHy2LOl_50CFRPyDAodNDMXqQ). But look at where humanity is at [...]
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