BCCA 2024 - CAST Science

2025 Borlaug CAST Communications Award

Honoring Jack Bobo for His Excellence in Agricultural Science Communication

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) presented Jack Bobo, director of the University of Nottingham’s Food Systems Institute, with the 2024 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) during a special event at the World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa on October 30, 2024.

Bobo is being honored for his exceptional work in promoting effective communication about agricultural science. Throughout his career, he has delivered more than 500 keynote speeches across 50 countries, inspiring global audiences to engage with the future of food systems and sustainability.

“Communication is powerful—it can either divide us or unite us. As we face global challenges that require collective effort and understanding, I am reminded of the significance of our words and the impact they can have. I’m incredibly grateful to CAST for this award.”

Jack Bobo

About Jack Bobo

Jack Bobo is the Director of the University of Nottingham’s Food Systems Institute. Before joining the Institute, Jack was the Director of Global Food and Water Policy at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company.

He is the author of the 2021 book ‘Why smart people make bad food choices.’ Recognized by Scientific American as one of the 100 most influential people in biotechnology, he also served as the Chief Communications Officer and SVP for Global Policy at Intrexon Corporation and as a senior advisor for food policy at the U.S. Department of State.

A global thought leader, Jack has delivered more than 500 keynote speeches in 50 countries on the future of food.

Degrees include a J.D. in Law, an M.S. in Environmental Science, a B.S. in Biology, and a B.A. in Psychology and Chemistry.

What is the Borlaug CAST Communication Award?

Established in 2010, the Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) celebrates the legacy of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, “The Man Who Fed the World,” and Dr. Charles A. Black, CAST’s first President and founding committee member. Dr. Borlaug authored CAST’s first publication in 1973, and Dr. Black played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission. Both men exemplify the passion and commitment to advancing agricultural research and technology, values that the BCCA honors each year.

The BCCA is awarded annually to a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors who has made significant contributions to science communication, particularly in shaping public policy.

Nomination Criteria

Ideal candidates for the BCCA are individuals who:

Are actively engaged in agricultural, environmental, or food science and technology.
Demonstrate a commitment to promoting agricultural science through research, education, outreach, or public engagement.
Are recognized for making substantial contributions to their field.
Show a passion for sharing the significance of agriculture and food systems with policymakers, media, and the broader public.
Exhibit excellence in science communication through written work, public speaking, and the use of media platforms.

Nominations are open to professionals from all nations who have demonstrated these qualities.

The BCCA is presented annually during the World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa.