Abdelbagi M. Ismail

Principal Scientist with over 30 years of research for development, focusing on crop improvement to enhance adaptation to unfavorable environments and to increase resilience to climate change, especially for areas affected by floods, drought, salt stress, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Contributed to advancing understanding of mechanisms associated with tolerance of several abiotic stresses in crops, and also to the development and deployment of stress-tolerant varieties and proper system-based crop and resource management packages; with notable impacts in Asia and Africa. Led several regional programs and projects on breeding and delivery of high-yielding, climate smart varieties and technologies, through building and coordinating large networks of research and development partners. Served in several leadership roles including Deputy Director General for Research (Interim) and Head, Genetics and Biotechnology Division. Currently assuming the role of Regional Representative for Africa. Holds a PhD in Botany, University of California, Riverside. Authored/co-authored over 270 peer reviewed articles, chapters and books. Recipient of several merit and leadership awards and member of several editorial boards and science societies; Fellow (Foreign), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India; and Member, Research, Variety Development and Seed Production Working Group – African Seed Biotechnology Platform, African Union.