The International Scientific Committee under the auspices of the GCP21 presented a special recognition to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for funding dozens of projects related to cassava, thereby contributing to the transformation of the root crop. The recognition was part of activities during the Golden Cassava Award Night in the Republic of Benin. Lawrence Kent, Senior Program Officer with the Gates Foundation, while receiving a plaque on behalf of the Foundation, thanked GCP21 for the recognition and honor which he dedicated to millions of resource-poor farmers especially women and children, who depend on cassava for livelihood and food security.
… Presents a ‘Surprise’ Recognition Award to Dr Fauquet
The International Scientific Committee of GCP21 took the opportunity of the Golden Cassava Prize Award Night to bestow an award in recognition and appreciation to Dr Claude Fauquet for his dedication to the research and development of the cassava crop.
Presenting the award on behalf of the committee, Prof. Andrew Westby, Director of the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, congratulated Claude on his leadership, dedication, energy and persistence in driving forward GCP21 since its establishment.
GCP21 is a global partnership of institutions that together are leveraging plant breeding and biotechnology to transform cassava into a more productive and resilient crop. Through his role at GCP21, Claude was an effective convener and a driving force behind united efforts to further cassava research and transform the crop into a future-proof staple food and income source for millions of smallholder farmers worldwide.
The co-founder of GCP21, Claude, has expertly guided its mission to improve cassava worldwide with outstanding commitment and determination.
“Claude spoke of cassava the day I first met him and every other time I met him over the past 15 years. He loves cassava science, he loves cassava researchers, and he loves those who depend on this crop for their food and livelihoods,” said a long-time friend Lawrence Kent, Senior Program Officer with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In 2002, Claude, together with Dr. Joe Tohme, founded the Global Cassava Partnership for the 21st Century – which is now a legacy in honour of his drive and ambition and a platform to continue what he started.
He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), and a member of the St Louis Academy of Sciences. In 2007, Claude was knighted “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques” by the French Minister of Higher Education and Research.