Murdoch University agricultural scientist Professor Rajeev Varshney elected Fellow of the Royal Society

A Murdoch University agricultural scientist has joined the ranks of Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton after being welcomed into the world’s most prestigious and oldest continually existing scientific academy. Professor Rajeev Varshney was recently elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society — the first person in Murdoch University’s 49-year history to do so. He is only the third Australian to join the organisation from the field of Agricultural Sciences, and among just 13 people worldwide. An expert in crop genomics, genetics, molecular breeding and capacity building in developing countries, Prof. Varshney is the fifth West Australian to be elected from any discipline. Prof. Varshney — who has won international awards and is a member of numerous other academies and societies worldwide — said he was “humbled and honoured” to receive the accolade, which he described as his highest yet. “I never imagined that this could happen to me, it’s a dream come true for any scientist,” he said. “I am thrilled to be included with the stalwarts and giants of my field such as Norman Borlaug, MS Swaminathan, Jim Peacock and Gurdev Khush, who have been inspiration and role models not only for me but all agricultural scientists across the world.” Prof. Varshney said meeting Dr. Borlaug — an acclaimed agronomist and winner of the 1970 Nobel Prize for his work reducing world hunger — was what inspired him to pursue a career developing life-changing solutions for the world’s poorest farmers. He is now a director of Murdoch’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation as well as the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre — roles that have seen him lead the discovery and development of innovative solutions to tackle global agricultural problems, including food security in a changing climate. “I am grateful to my colleagues and collaborators from Australia, India, Germany, and many countries in Asia, Africa, America, with whom I got an opportunity work during the last 25 years,” Prof. Varshney said. Established in 1660, The Royal Society boasts 85 Nobel Laureates and some of the world’s most famous scientists including Sir David Attenborough and the late Stephen Hawking. Prof. Varshney will fly to London next month to be formally admitted to the Society along with 79 other new Fellows from countries including Japan, Finland, Switzerland, China and South Africa. Royal Society president Sir Adrian Smith said the honour was reserved for those who have “pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond”. “Among this year’s intake are individuals who were at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and those working on global challenges, from TB (tuberculosis) to climate change,” he said. “They are pioneering scientists and innovators from around the world who have confounded expectations and transformed our thinking.” Murdoch Vice Chancellor Prof. Andrew Deeks said Prof. Varshney’s election was testament to a lifelong commitment to academic excellence. “Throughout his research he has kept a keen focus on sustainability that has impacted the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” Prof. Deeks said. “He is a very fitting recipient of this high honour and we are very proud to have him as Murdoch’s first Royal Society Fellow.”