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2010 Louis Malassis Prize winners announced

Doctors Ken Sayre and Silvia Restrepo were awarded the Agropolis Fondation's Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize Distinguished Scientist and Young Promising Scientist, respectively in a ceremony held during the 1st Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) on 29 March in Montpellier, France.

The two winners each received €20000, a glass trophy and a diploma. This year's Prize is also supported by the Languedoc Roussillon Region.

Given once every two years, the Prize was created by Agropolis Fondation as a tribute to Louis Malassis, founder of Agropolis and Agropolis Museum, who is also a French agro-economist and ardent supporter of farmers' cause.

It aims to recognize the exemplary contribution of scientists in the field of agriculture and food as well as to inspire young promising researchers to work towards excellent science in the service of the society.

"Receiving this Prize not only honors my efforts to improve agriculture in developing countries but also honors the overall importance of this endeavor to bring equity and improved livelihoods to farmers everywhere. Working with farmers has made me become a better scientist. Let us work together to make farmers become better scientists," said Sayre during his acceptance speech. Dr Sayre is a Regional Agronomist for Asia of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

For her part, Dr. Restrepo, Young Promising Scientist winner, mentioned that the Prize is a great motivation for her. "...It makes me feel responsible to keep contributing in my field of research. It encourages me to disseminate whatever knowledge I have and to help others fulfill their projects in my own country and other developing countries," the plant pathologist and associate professor from the University of Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia added.

The Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize Award Ceremony was also attended by various stakeholders including scientists and civil society groups participating in the GCARD conference. The occasion was also graced by representatives of the family of the late Louis Malassis.

The 2010 International Jury was chaired by Dr. Guido Gryseels, Director-General of the Central African Museum in Belgium.

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