Clemson University scientist Chittaranjan Kole was awarded the Outstanding Crop Scientist Award by the International Crop Science Society (ICSS). He was one of three scientists to receive the award in recognition of lifetime and original contributions in the field of crop science. He also chaired a special international workshop for the ICSS in Brazil earlier this month, "Genomics and Breeding of Climate Resilient Crops for Future Food Security."
Kole is the director of research at Clemson's Institute of Nutraceutical Research, where the overall goal is to pursue research opportunities in food safety and security with the U.S. government and other international entities. His current research includes development of crop varieties for use as functional foods and dietary supplements to combat deadly chronic ailments, including cancer, AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and stroke.
Kole's area of specialty is plant biotechnology, including genomics and molecular breeding. He established the International Climate Resilient Crop Genomics Consortium, which includes 30 scientists from 11 countries. Kole received India's Crop Research Award in 2004 and Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) award in 2010. He has published more than 130 research articles, edited 55 textbooks and reviewed books on frontier areas of biotechnology, and patented two medicinal varieties of bitter melon: CBM10 and CBM12. Kole's professional excellence has been appreciated by several leading scientists of the world and seven Nobel Laureates including the 'father of green revolution' Dr. Norman Borlaug.