Dr. Semuel Leunufna is a Professor in the Department of Agronomy/Plant Breeding at Pattimura University, Indonesia, with an extensive career spanning 30 years. His expertise lies in plant breeding, agronomy, plant genetic resources conservation and sustainable agricultural development. Over the years, he has significantly contributed to academia, research, and international collaborations aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability and the conservation of plant genetic diversity.
Significant Achievements
Dr. Leunufna has authored eight theses and books, contributed to two book chapters, and published 31 journal articles and conference proceedings. He has also presented 30 lectures, chaired various sessions, and participated in 13 prestigious conferences, seminars, and workshops. His scholarly contributions extend to reviewing for four international journals and serving on the editorial boards of the Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics and Sociology (AJAEES) and the Online Journal of Ecology and Environmental Science (OJEES).
His involvement in international projects has been instrumental in agricultural advancements. Notably, he played key roles in projects such as the Banana Seed Money Project (2016), Bioprospecting of Tongkat Langit Banana in Maluku (2017), and the Blended Learning Program for Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain Development (2017-2020). His leadership and research have contributed to waste and water management improvements in Ambon City through collaboration with Rotterdam University. His work in plant genetic resources conservation has also been pivotal in preserving indigenous crop varieties and enhancing their resilience against climate change.
Notable Contributions
Beyond research, Dr. Leunufna has actively contributed to institutional management with 19 key initiatives and engaged in seven significant community service projects. His work in agricultural sustainability, plant genetic conservation, and value chain development has had a lasting impact on policy-making, education, and research. Additionally, he has authored 69 popular scientific publications aimed at disseminating knowledge to a broader audience.
His memberships in prestigious scientific societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Crop Science Society of America, and the International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS), highlight his standing in the global scientific community.
Eligibility for Nobel Research Award
Dr. Semuel Leunufna’s groundbreaking contributions to agronomy, plant breeding, and agricultural sustainability, plant genetic resources conservation make him a strong candidate for the Nobel Research Award in Scientific Laurels. His international recognition includes the 2022 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize nomination, as well as winning the International Eminent Award for Outstanding Scientist and Best Scientist in Engineering, Science, and Medicine (2022) and the Distinguished Scientist Award (2023) from the International Research Awards. His continued dedication to research, education, and global collaboration solidifies his place as an eminent scientist in his field.