Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity awarded to renowned soil scientist Rattan Lal

Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity awarded to renowned soil scientist Rattan Lal

Lal's work focuses on carbon sequestration in agriculture, removing atmospheric carbon

A globally renowned soil scientist at The Ohio State University, Rattan Lal, has been awarded the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for his significant contributions to global food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.

Lal, a Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and the founding director of the CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration, was also recently named the No. 1 scientistin the world and the United States in the field of plant sciences and agronomy by Research.com.

Lal was chosen for his pioneering work in promoting a soil-centric approach to agriculture that has been recognized as a model for secure food systems that can be adapted worldwide. His innovative approaches have proven successful across various climates and geographies, demonstrating the benefits of sustainable agriculture to communities, economies and the planet, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation said in announcing the award.

"The entire Buckeye community congratulates Dr. Lal on receiving this incredible honor and thanks him for his passionate work on global food security and solutions for our agricultural ecosystems," said Ohio State President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. "As a scientist, mentor and educator, Dr. Lal is an inspiring example that one person with vision and determination can change the world."

Much of Lal's work has focused on carbon sequestration in agriculture and removing atmospheric carbon for the long term, mitigating the effects of global warming and pollution. In 2000, he established the Ohio State carbon center, the longest-running U.S. institution with a focus on carbon sequestration in both natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems, particularly soils.

He pioneered a soil-centric approach that harmonizes food production with ecological preservation and climate change mitigation. His methodologies have highlighted, on a global stage, the interconnectedness of soil health and broader environmental and human well-being, and the importance of enhancing food security while conserving natural resources.

"Dr. Lal's accomplishments in influencing sustainable agricultural practices around the world have brought about a paradigm shift in sustainable soil management and acclaim to our university," said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. "We are honored that he is a part of our college and enormously proud of his incredible achievements.

"Dr. Lal is the land-grant mission of Ohio State personified," said Peter J. Mohler, executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge. "While rooted in soil health, his groundbreaking work translates into solutions for some of the most important global challenges we face in food security."

Lal's journey, from his humble early days on a small subsistence farm in northern India watching his family use oxen to plow hard soils to becoming one of the most cited scientists in plant science and agronomy, exemplifies the power of his resilience and intellectual pursuit. His work has led to more sustainable farming and greater access to nutritious food for 2 billion people across five continents.

His dedication has earned him numerous global awards, such as the Japan Prize (2019), World Food Prize (2020), Padma Shri award (2021), and Plant Science and Agronomy Leader Award (2024), among others.

Upon receiving news of winning the Gulbenkian Prize, Lal expressed his astonishment and gratitude: "It came as a surprise. I thought it was a prank call - so I ignored it. Then they said, 'Can we talk to you on Zoom?' and I realized that it was real," he said.

Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, he added: "It's a tremendous award for humanity. It's an incredible honor that an organization would recognize my service to humanity at large - something beyond my imagination."

Lal has decided to donate his share of the prize money - $350,000 - to Ohio State, noting Ohio State's role in his career successes.

"When I first arrived at Ohio State in 1965, my adviser inquired if I had considered any other universities worldwide," he said. "However, my professors at Punjab University, who had obtained their PhDs from Ohio State, influenced my decision.

"I expressed to them that my aspiration was to attend Ohio State. Being associated with one of the largest land-grant universities has brought me great prestige and honor. I offer my sincere thanks to all the staff, students, scholars and researchers of the Lal Carbon Center for their dedication and hard work, and to the CFAES School of Environment and Natural Resources, CFAES and Ohio State for their cooperation and support."

Lal's donation aims to foster scholarly exchange between Ohio State and international institutions in India initially before expanding globally.

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