Jeanie Borlaug Laube WIT Early Career Award

Advancing Norman Borlaug’s vision of a more secure wheat crop worldwide

The Jeanie Borlaug Laube WIT Award recognizes researchers at the front lines of wheat science, advancing the discoveries that help protect harvests and carry agricultural progress forward. Named in honor of Jeanie Borlaug Laube, a dedicated advocate for agricultural progress and daughter of Nobel laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, this award highlights significant contributions to wheat research and improvement.

The WIT Award celebrates individuals making strides in wheat science, recognizing their dedication, innovation, and impact on global food security. It serves as a platform to support and elevate researchers working to advance wheat production and resilience in the face of global challenges.

The 2026 WIT Award application period is now closed. Updates about the 2027 award cycle will be shared on this page and through the BGRI newsletter.

Eligibility

The award is intended for early-career scientists ranging from advanced undergraduates to recent PhD graduates and post-doctoral fellows.​ Priority is given to applicants at the pre-professoriate level.​ Self-nominations are accepted.

Nominees will be judged on:

Strength of scientific abstract
Commitment to and passion for agricultural development
Leadership potential
Quality of written statement of intent

WIT Early Career Awardees

2026

Shannon Baker

Shannon Baker

Canada and United States

2025

Dhondup Lhamo

Dhondup Lhamo

United States

Meng Li

Meng Li

Canada

2024

2023

2022

2021

Mehnaz

Mehnaz

Pakistan

Ella Taagen

Ella Taagen

United States

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Learn more about opportunities for the cereal rust community

Join the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative LinkedIn Group