CAST Opens Nominations for 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has opened nominations for the 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA). The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors for contributing to the advancement of science in the public policy arena.
Nominations are open through May 31, 2026. The winner will be announced by June 30, 2026 and honored at a ceremony on December 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC — the anniversary of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance in 1970.
“Science does not advance policy on its own — it requires people who can translate research into language that policymakers, journalists, and the public can act on. The Borlaug CAST Communication Award exists to recognize those people. We encourage the agricultural, environmental, and food science community to nominate the communicators who are doing that work.” — Chris Boomsma, CEO, Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
Primary consideration will be given to mid-career candidates who are actively engaged in the science and technology of agriculture and food production, have made significant contributions to their field nationally and internationally, and demonstrate a commitment to communicating the importance of agriculture and food production to policymakers, the news media, and the public.
Nominees must have demonstrated their ability to communicate through written material, public presentations, and/or use of television, radio, and social media. The award may be given for a specific achievement or for a continuing body of work. Individuals from all nations are eligible.
What to submit: completed nomination form; curated CV/resume of the nominee (maximum five pages); written statement of the candidate’s communication activities within the past five years, including relevant publications, speaking engagements, media appearances, and social media activities; and up to five letters of support in PDF form.
All materials must be submitted in English through the online nomination form linked here by midnight CST on May 31, 2026.
Nominators who submitted a package for the 2025 award cycle may confirm rollover eligibility through the same form. No additional materials are required.
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