Dr. Kotaro Maeno, a researcher in the Crop, Livestock and Environment Division was among those chosen to receive the 5th Niigata International Food Award, winning in the 21st Century Hope Prize category. A press conference was held at the Japan Press Center on July 9, 2018 to announce the award.
The Niigata International Food Award, Japan’s only international award in the field of food security, was established jointly by various contributors from Niigata’s industrial, agricultural, academic, and administrative sectors. It honors the achievements of individuals or groups to help solve the world’s food problems. The 21st Century Hope Prize, which is one of the three award categories, recognizes young scientists involved in joint research or development activities that are novel and creative and has potential for future success through commercialization and implementation.
Dr. Maeno’s research on the widely distributed desert locust in Africa was highly evaluated for elucidating the physiology and ecology of the insect pests in the Sahara Desert and for being the only field survey done on the topic. The information obtained through his research is expected to contribute toward solving global- scale agricultural problems. The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Niigata City on November 8, 2008.