CAST Opens Nominations for 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award

Ceremony Set for December 10 at the Library of Congress

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:19pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the interconnected fields of agricultural science, environmental science, and food production.The Borlaug CAST Communication Award honors those who bridge the gap between scientific research and public policy, translating complex agricultural and environmental issues into accessible language.Ames Today

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has opened nominations for the 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA). The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors for contributing to the advancement of science in the public policy arena.

Why it matters

The Borlaug CAST Communication Award exists to recognize individuals who can effectively translate complex scientific research into language that policymakers, journalists, and the public can understand and act upon. Effective science communication is crucial for advancing important issues related to agriculture, the environment, and food production.

The details

Nominations are open through May 31, 2026, and the winner will be announced by June 30, 2026. The award ceremony will be held on December 10, 2026, at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC — the anniversary of Dr. Norman Borlaug's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance in 1970. Primary consideration will be given to mid-career candidates who have made significant contributions to their field and demonstrated a commitment to communicating the importance of agriculture and food production.

  • Nominations are open through May 31, 2026.
  • The winner will be announced by June 30, 2026.
  • The award ceremony will be held on December 10, 2026.

The players

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)

A non-profit organization that brings together scientific societies, universities, companies, and individuals to communicate science-based information about agriculture, food, natural resources, and the environment.

Dr. Norman Borlaug

A Nobel Peace Prize laureate who is widely regarded as the father of the Green Revolution and a pioneer in the field of agricultural science.

Chris Boomsma

The CEO of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.

Carlos Back Vianna

The Director of Marketing & Communications at the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.

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What they’re saying

“Science does not advance policy on its own — it requires people who can translate research into language that policymakers, journalists, and the public can act on. The Borlaug CAST Communication Award exists to recognize those people. We encourage the agricultural, environmental, and food science community to nominate the communicators who are doing that work.”

— Chris Boomsma, CEO, Council for Agricultural Science and Technology

What’s next

The deadline for submitting nominations is May 31, 2026. The winner will be announced by June 30, 2026, and the award ceremony will be held on December 10, 2026, at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

The takeaway

The Borlaug CAST Communication Award recognizes the crucial role that effective science communication plays in advancing important issues related to agriculture, the environment, and food production. By honoring individuals who can translate complex research into accessible language, the award aims to bridge the gap between science and public policy.