Purdue professor receives national honor

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University agronomy professor Gebisa Ejeta received the National Medal of Science by President Joe Biden at the White House.

The award is the highest recognition the nation bestows upon scientists. Ejeta was given the award for his work in plant genetics.

“By developing sorghum strains that withstand droughts and parasites, he has improved food security for millions,” the president said.

“His advocacy for science, policy and institutions as key to economic development has lifted the fortunes of farmers and strengthened the souls of nations.”

Ejeta was born and raised in a small rural community in Ethiopia, where he received the “National Hero Award,” Ethiopia’s highest honor, in 2009. He also received the World Food Prize in 2009.

“The greatness of a country is measured not only by the size of its economy or the strength of its military,” Biden said.

“The strength of the nation is also measured by the boldness of its science, the quality of its research and the progress it helps bring forth for not only the country, but the whole world.”