North Columbus News

Rattan Lal, a globally renowned soil scientist at The Ohio State University, has been awarded the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. Lal's contributions to global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection were recognized by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in their announcement of the award.

Lal serves as a Distinguished University Professor at Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and is the founding director of the CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration. Recently, he was named the No. 1 scientist in plant sciences and agronomy by Research.com.

Lal's pioneering work in promoting a soil-centric approach to agriculture has been recognized as a model for secure food systems adaptable worldwide. His innovative methods have demonstrated success across various climates and geographies, underscoring sustainable agriculture's benefits to communities, economies, and the planet.

“The entire Buckeye community congratulates Dr. Lal on receiving this incredible honor and thanks him for his passionate work on global food security and solutions for our agricultural ecosystems,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “As a scientist, mentor, and educator, Dr. Lal is an inspiring example that one person with vision and determination can change the world.”

Much of Lal’s work has focused on carbon sequestration in agriculture to mitigate global warming effects. In 2000, he established Ohio State’s carbon center, which focuses on carbon sequestration in both natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems.

Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES said: “Dr. Lal’s accomplishments in influencing sustainable agricultural practices around the world have brought about a paradigm shift in sustainable soil management.” Peter J. Mohler added: “While rooted in soil health, his groundbreaking work translates into solutions for some of the most important global challenges we face in food security.”

Lal's journey from his early days on a small subsistence farm in northern India to becoming one of the most cited scientists exemplifies resilience and intellectual pursuit. His work has led to more sustainable farming practices benefiting two billion people across five continents.

His dedication has earned him numerous awards including the Japan Prize (2019), World Food Prize (2020), Padma Shri award (2021), among others.

Upon receiving news of winning the Gulbenkian Prize, Lal expressed his astonishment: “It came as a surprise... I thought it was a prank call – so I ignored it.” Reflecting on this recognition he added: “It’s an incredible honor that an organization would recognize my service to humanity at large – something beyond my imagination.”

Lal plans to donate his share of the prize money—$350,000—to Ohio State to foster scholarly exchange between Ohio State and international institutions initially focusing on India before expanding globally.

Lal shares the 2024 prize with Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (India) and SEKEM initiative (Egypt).