Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award

Established in 2005, the Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award recognizes deserving high school juniors who excel in science. This award, presented by the CFANS Alumni Society, serves as a catalyst for students to consider a career in food, agricultural, or natural resource sciences. Make a difference in the life of a local student through just a few simple steps. You may be the catalyst for the next Norman Borlaug!

What do award recipients receive?

To encourage excellence in science and recognize achievements of young minds, the Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award presents recipients with:

Recognition by their high school and the University of Minnesota
An award certificate for their accomplishment
A book, typically authored by a University of Minnesota alumnus or professor
A copy of the book for their high school library
A $1,000 scholarship upon successful enrollment in CFANS

Supporting through Presenting

The CFANS Alumni Society invites alumni to present an award at a high school of their choosing. Volunteering to present an NBSAA gives you the opportunity to:

Connect with a local high school
Inspire potential CFANS students
Provide greater awareness of the University of Minnesota and the CFANS mission

The time commitment for presenting an award is 1 to 2 hours between now and the award presentations at the local high school in late spring. You do not have to know a student at the high school of your choice, the school will select a deserving junior.

Historical Information

For historical information, including a list of past winners, please email cfansaro@umn.edu.

The Borlaug Legacy

NORMAN ERNEST BORLAUG, an American biologist and humanitarian, was born March 25, 1914, on a farm in Iowa. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota, where he studied forestry, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1937. He received a master’s degree in plant pathology and genetics two years later, and earned his PhD in 1942, both from the University of Minnesota. To pay for his education, Borlaug took various jobs, including one during the Depression with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Here he worked with the unemployed, many of whom were starving, an experience that left a permanent impression on him.

During World War II he worked for DuPont, an American chemical company, researching compounds useful to the US armed forces. Borlaug moved to Mexico City after the war to direct the newly established Cooperative Wheat Research and Production Program. Here Borlaug developed a semi-dwarf wheat that was high yielding and rust resistant. His work led to increased production of wheat in many countries, including Mexico, Pakistan, and India. Combined, his work and improved agricultural techniques have been labeled the “Green Revolution”. Borlaug was credited with saving more than a billion people from starvation and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.

In 1970, Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his significant contributions to humanity.

Biography of Norman Ernest Borlaug written by Susan Davis Price.

Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award

What do award recipients receive?

Supporting through Presenting

Historical Information

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