WASHINGTON, DC — The Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has announced the appointment of Dr. Ren Wang as
director of its global network of 15 research centers. Dr. Wang has served for
the last seven years as Deputy Director General for Research at the CGIAR-supported
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, where he
developed new collaborative initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia
and managed IRRI programs in 14 countries.
"We’re fortunate to have as our new director someone with
such extensive experience as both a scientist and a manager of ambitious
agricultural research initiatives in developing countries," said Katherine
Sierra, Chair of CGIAR and Vice President of the World Bank’s Sustainable
Development Network. "Dr. Wang has a deep understanding of the strategic
contribution of the CGIAR’s scientific expertise in helping rural communities,
governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve sustainable growth
in agricultural productivity."
"For a scientist committed to seeing agricultural science
improve the lives of the world’s poorest people, it’s hard to imagine a higher
honor than serving as CGIAR Director," Dr. Wang said. "I look forward to
supporting our thousands of scientists and staff in their efforts to enhance
food production around the world in the face of immense global challenges."
In addition to his work with IRRI, Dr. Wang has made
important contributions in shaping China ’s internationally renowned agriculture
research services. He was Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural
Sciences (CAAS), where he was the point person for China ’s partnership with the
CGIAR. Dr. Wang also helped foster an unprecedented level of cooperation with
Japan in agriculture through the establishment of the Sino-Japan Center for
Sustainable Agriculture at CAAS.
"There is an unfortunate perception that food security and agricultural
productivity are no longer important issues in countries like China and
Indonesia , which have witnessed strong economic growth," said Wang. "Yet, even
in these countries, there are still concerns because of continued population
growth and the prospect of climate change and increased competition between food
and fuel uses of crops."
