Washington, DC
August 22, 2007
 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.”
Dr. Wang is an entomologist by training and holds a PhD in
entomology from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. As a
researcher, he pioneered a program for biological control of
exotic pests in China and later promoted integrated pest
management initiatives internationally from various posts,
including Deputy Director of the International Institute of
Biological Control (IIBC) of CAB International in the UK.
Dr. Wang was selected as Director of CGIAR following an
extensive international search, carried out by a committee of
representatives from CGIAR co-sponsors, with support from an
independent search firm as well as a strong advisory group,
consisting of CGIAR Members and one CGIAR Center representative.
“The CGIAR is well positioned to help deal with the consequences
of climate change for developing country agriculture and will be
making this a high priority,” he said.
In December 2007, Dr. Wang will report on recent contributions
of the CGIAR’s scientific expertise in helping rural communities
achieve sustainable growth in agricultural productivity at the
CGIAR Annual General Meeting in Beijing, China.
About the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research: The CGIAR, established in 1971, is a strategic
partnership of countries, international and regional
organizations and private foundations supporting the work of 15
international Centers. In collaboration with national
agricultural research systems, civil society and the private
sector, the CGIAR fosters sustainable agricultural growth
through high-quality science aimed at benefiting the poor
through stronger food security, better human nutrition and
health, higher incomes and improved management of natural
resources. For more information, please visit www.cgiar.org |
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