The Borlaug Blog

Dr. Borlaug was a very effective communicator not only with other scientists but also with the world’s major decision makers. He particularly enjoyed using certain expressions when communicating with young, upcoming scientists, and I would like to visit with you about only one: “serendipity.” Dictionaries define serendipity as “the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident or the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.”  

Serendipity was one of Dr. Borlaug’s favorite expressions. He began using serendipity when communicating with others after his shuttle breeding program had “serendipitously” developed day length neutral wheat cultivars. Borlaug did not dismiss a bit of luck being involved, but serendipity is most likely to occur with hard work, by learning from your mistakes as well as your successes, and with the self-confidence to move forward. Borlaug practiced hard work, communicated effectively with others, and had a positive attitude. In such an environment, serendipity will have a better chance to occur and benefit your research program or any other endeavor. Borlaug made sure that younger scientists understood that he never planned to develop day length neutral wheat varieties. But his wheat cultivars were widely adapted and could be grown in Mexico as well as in northern “spring wheat” growing areas like Canada. The increased wheat production in food deficient areas like India, Pakistan, China and many other countries led to what became known as the “Green Revolution” in wheat production and his receipt of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize.    

Dr. Runge was Head of the Soil and Crop Sciences Department when Dr. Borlaug joined Texas A&M University (TAMU) in January 1984 with funds provided by TAMU President Dr. Frank Vandiver. This certainly fits the definition of a serendipitous experience. Little did we know in 1984 that Dr. Borlaug would continue spending one semester per year teaching and inspiring students and faculty at TAMU for 25 years. My family had many great interactions with Dr. Borlaug and his family during the 25 years we spent together, another serendipitous experience.  

Dr. Runge worked closely with Dr. Borlaug on many different occasions, including the World Food Prize that Borlaug established in 1986. He was involved when Monsanto established the Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program (MBBISP) on March 25, 2009, Borlaug’s 95 birthday. Dr. Borlaug had earlier expressed concern to Monsanto senior officials that world population was increasing faster than wheat and rice production and that additional research was needed. This discussion led to the establishment of the MBBISP.

MBBI Scholars were selected over the 8 years of the MBBISP by a distinguished judging panel. As part of the scholarship, scholars attended the World Food Prize during their first 2 years. Unfortunately, they could only learn about Dr. Borlaug’s contributions and his positive philosophy indirectly. Scholars also enrolled in a 40-hour Leadership Course and visited Monsanto’s Molecular Breeding Lab in Ankeny, Iowa.  

Scholars’ experiences - from being an MBBI Scholar, attending the WFP, meeting distinguished colleagues and decision makers, enrolling in the Leadership course, and visiting Monsanto’s lab - were nothing short of a serendipitous experience for them. Scholars gained in many ways, but their self-confidence in particular was enhanced, and they expect to accomplish much more during their careers as a result of these experiences. Upon completion of the MBBISP in 2020, it will have trained 89 PhD wheat and rice breeders from 30 countries throughout the World. During their careers, these MBBISP graduates will help ensure that the world has adequate wheat and rice production to feed its population. 

The World Food Prize echoes Dr. Borlaug’s philosophy and honors exceptional contributions to world food production resulting in a better world. I encourage graduate students and young scientists in particular to attend the World Food Prize. They will meet many distinguished people, and I am sure their self-confidence will be enhanced and a more successful career will result.