Professor Deli Chen honoured with 2024 IFA Norman Borlaug Award
Renowned soil scientist, Professor Deli Chen, has been awarded the International Fertilizer Association (IFA)’s prestigious 2024 Norman Borlaug Plant Nutrition Award for excellence in crop nutrition research.
Professor Deli Chen
The IFA Norman Borlaug Award recognises exceptional contributions to plant nutrition science and sustainable agriculture.
Professor Chen was selected for his groundbreaking research in managing reactive nitrogen for sustainable food production and environment. He is only the third Australian to receive the honour.
Professor Chen’s 30-year research career has focused on the efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser use and its impact on global food security, the environment, and climate change.
He is the Director of the ARC Research Hub for Smart Fertilisers – a multidisciplinary program involving soil science, plant science, chemistry, chemical engineering and industry – where he leads a team developing the next generation of high efficiency ‘smart’ fertilisers.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the IFA,” Professor Chen said.
“Improving crop productivity is more important than ever with a growing world population. The fertilisers we are developing will support sustainable intensification, farm profitability, environmental quality and soil health.”
Professor Chen accepting the award from IFA CEO and Director General Alzbeta Klein
Professor Giovanni Turchini, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, congratulated Professor Chen on his outstanding contributions to plant nutrition science and sustainable agriculture.
“Professor Chen is dedicated to tackling the major challenge of unsustainable nitrogen use in agriculture. This award is a testament to his pioneering research,” Professor Turchini said.
Professor Chen accepted the prize at an IFA award ceremony in Madrid, Spain. Watch the IFA’s video about Professor Chen’s research achievements here.
Professor Chen at the award ceremony in Madrid, Spain