Dr. John Zhihong Yu – ICAC Researcher of the Year 2019
Dr John Yu has been working with the USDA-ARS since 1995. He earned his PhD in plant genomics and molecular genetics at Cornell University. He demonstrated outstanding dedication, with 36 years of professional experience, and received significant recognition as an international authority in cotton genomics for developing genetic resources that are currently being used by scientists worldwide. He made major contributions on cotton genomics and germplasm, including:
- Genome mapping and sequencing,
- Characterisation of gene pools, and
- Identification of QTLs for molecular breeding.
Dr Yu developed the world’s first integrated genetic, physical and transcript maps of cultivated tetraploid cotton chromosomes with large insert DNA clones, molecular markers, and EST genes; and high-density cotton genetic maps of portable SSR and SNP markers. He has freely filled numerous requests from the global cotton research community for genomic resources and information. Dr Yu has received several national and international awards and published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, which have 8,945 citations. Dr Yu has also delivered more than 60 talks/seminars to the global scientific community.
Dr Yu demonstrated dynamic, outstanding organisational capacity in a leadership role to benefit the global cotton community. This includes his election in 2005 — and re-election in 2015 — by the global cotton community as Chairman of the International Cotton Genome Initiative (ICGI), the first international organisation to facilitate global collaborative research work on cotton genomics and genetics.
Dr Yu led international efforts to develop and release genome sequences for G. arboreum, G. raimondii, and G. hirsutum, among other cotton species. The research opens a new paradigm in cotton genomics that revolutionises genetic improvement of cotton plants through better exploitation of genetic variation otherwise buried in Gossypium germplasm. His discovery of gene-rich islands and sub-genomic roles in upland cotton provides critical information for genetic applications. His development of new concepts and methodologies for standardising characterisation of Gossypium germplasm makes it possible for cotton researchers worldwide to collaborate, relate and utilise genetic diversity data among cotton germplasm collections.
Dr. Khalid Mahmood is the Co-Founder of SAWiE, where he has been instrumental in developing digital farm advisory and farm data platforms supporting over 10,000 farmers in Pakistan, improving traceability and transparency across agricultural supply chains. He is leading the development of first-mile traceability systems and the TRUE Cotton platform, connecting farmers with sustainable global textile supply chains.
Dr Olivier Zieschank studied Management at the university of Lausanne, where he graduated in 2005. Until 2010, he worked in a Swiss-based start-up that specialized in negotiating cell tower lease agreements, where he became associate director. In 2010, he returned to university and studied applied economics in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He wrote his PhD in Economics at the University of Freiberg, Germany, where he developed a theory of organization. Mr Zieschank was appointed Economist at the ITMF in August 2017 and became director in January 2021.
Ashwin Chandran holds a Bachelors Degree in Textile Technology from UMIST, UK and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, USA.
Mr. Shreyans Gupta is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), currently serving as First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. In his current role, he oversees critical portfolios within the Income-tax Overseas Unit (ITOU) and the Commerce Wing, facilitating bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Eric Trachtenberg is the Executive Director of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
Pia Terasa joined the textile machinery manufacturer Saurer over 25 years ago. She is responsible for marketing and communications at the group level. Coming originally from a non-textile background, market intelligence and business development have played major roles throughout her career. Her current main “hobby” is closely monitoring development of the textile recycling industry and circular economy.
Dr. Md. Fakhre Alam Ibne Tabib is the former Executive Director of the Cotton Development Board of Bangladesh, with over 32 years of experience in cotton production, research, and development. He has demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills in engaging with national and international stakeholders in the cotton sector.
Dr. Elsie Sia Kanza is the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United States of America and Mexico. Prior to that role, Ambassador Kanza served as Special Advisor to the President of the World Economic Forum, and, before that, Head of Africa and Member of Executive Committee for 10 years championing growth and development in Africa leveraging public private collaboration. In 2015, She was awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration (honoris causa) by the University of Strathclyde for the transformative impact achieved in Africa.
Alison Ward has over 30 years of international experience in sustainability and corporate affairs. Alison is the CEO of CottonConnect, where she leads a team of over 100 employees, impacting the lives of over 800,000 cotton farmers in India, China, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Bangladesh. Under Alison’s leadership the organization: drives supply chain transparency connecting sustainable fibres from farm to store; focuses on the rights and skills of women in supply chains through pioneering gender programmes; and continues to develop innovations at a farm level. She leads cotton strategies and programmes for global brands and retailers.
Name: Mary Concilia Anchang
Besim Özek
SIDDHARTHA RAJAGOPAL, Executive Director – TEXPROCIL