DR. SAMUEL GNANAMANICKAM WON NOBEL RESEARCH AWARD IN THE FIELD OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Research & Development UNITED STATES

Dr. Samuel Gnanamanickam is an accomplished plant pathologist, microbiologist, and field agronomist with over 46 years of experience in scientific research and development. He has held significant research positions across multiple prestigious institutions, including the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Agriculture Canada, and top U.S. universities such as Cornell, Wisconsin, and Kansas State. His expertise spans fungal and bacterial pathogen research, crop disease resistance, and microbial inoculants for sustainable agriculture.

Significant Achievements

  • Developed the first set of transgenic rice varieties resistant to blast and bacterial blight in collaboration with IRRI.
  • Holds multiple patents, including the discovery of a novel Pseudomonas bacterium (U.S. Patent #2010/0093538 A1) and a genetically improved Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain.
  • Awarded prestigious fellowships, including the Rockefeller Foundation Biotechnology Career Fellowship and visiting professorships at leading institutions.
  • Authored over 137 research publications, including books and technical papers in high-impact journals such as Nature, Molecular Breeding, and Crop Science.

Notable Contributions

  • Pioneered molecular marker-assisted breeding for disease-resistant rice varieties.
  • Led groundbreaking research on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp.) for biological disease control.
  • Contributed to global agricultural sustainability through extensive research in biopesticides and microbial inoculants.
  • Served in leadership roles, including Chair of the American Phytopathological Society Biocontrol Committee (2008).

Recent Recognition & Publications

  • Award of Excellence in Plant Pathology at the VIRA function in Chennai, India (December 7, 2024), where he delivered a keynote address on No-Pesticide Rice Farming in India and the United States.
  • Disease Suppressive Tropical Soils (edited by Gnanamanickam & Hofte, U. Gent), submitted to Springer-Nature for production.

Eligibility for Nobel Research Award

Dr. Gnanamanickam’s groundbreaking contributions to plant pathology, disease-resistant crop development, and microbial biotechnology position him as a strong candidate for prestigious scientific awards, including the Nobel Research Award in Scientific Laurels. His innovations have significantly impacted global food security, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnology advancements, making him a leader in the field of agricultural sciences.