Chief Scientist at CGIAR

Dr. Sandra Cristina Kothe Milach is CGIAR’s Chief Scientist. She is passionate about collaboration and leading multidisciplinary teams focused on creating sustainable food solutions and a world without hunger. Known for her commitment to modernizing seed-breeding programs that enhance agricultural productivity for farmers and consumers alike, she brings extensive experience in international agricultural research and development. Her work has been supported by major organizations such as USAID, the Brazilian Government (EMBRAPA), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

She has served as a board member and consultant for various organizations, including the International Potato Center (CIP), CIMMYT, the Soybean Innovation Lab (USAID), and the Crops of the Future initiative (FFAR), among others.

Sandra’s professional journey includes key leadership roles at Corteva Agriscience and DuPont Pioneer, where she led global breeding technologies teams and developed predictive breeding systems. She holds a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Minnesota (USA) and served for over 10 years as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Crop Science at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS, Brazil).

She has received numerous awards for her contributions to agricultural science, including the Albert Baez Award for technical achievements and service to humanity (HENAAC). A strong advocate for public-private partnerships, Sandra continues to empower agricultural research systems and promote high standards of core values in her work, ensuring that advancements in seed technology benefit communities worldwide.