UCD Wheat Geneticist Earns 2026 World Agriculture Prize
By Amy Quinton, Special to The Enterprise
Oct 13, 2026
Updated 4 hrs ago
[Jael Mackendorf/UC Davis photo]
Award Recognizes Exceptional Scientific Achievement
Jorge Dubcovsky, distinguished professor in the department of plant sciences at UC Davis, and Howard Hughes Institute researcher, has been named the 2026 World Agriculture Prize Laureate in the category for countries that have a developed economy.
The award, given by the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA), recognizes his pioneering scientific achievements to improve wheat and strengthen global food security. Wheat, one of the world's most widely grown staple crops, provides essential nutrition for billions of people.
Dubcovsky is internationally recognized as one of the world's most influential wheat geneticists. Through groundbreaking advances in wheat genetics, he has developed new varieties that are more resilient to disease, pests, and environmental stress, contributing significantly to global food security.