A tribute to Professor Gian Tommaso Scarascia-Mugnozza

Bioversity would like to pay tribute to one of the most famous players of the plant genetic resources conservation movement, Professor Gian Tommaso Scarascia-Mugnozza, who died this weekend, aged 85, after a long illness.

Scarascia, Emeritus Professor at the University of Tuscia (Viterbo) and President of the Italian National Academy of Sciences, was one of the founders of the International Board of Plant Genetic Resources, which eventually became Bioversity International.

In terms of vision and commitment to the genetic resources cause, Scarascia could be compared to N.I Vavilov. Several national and international gene banks were successfully created due to his work to secure the diversity of the world's food crops. As professor of Agrarian Genetics, he has educated at least two generations of scientists on methods and tools for conserving and using agricultural biodiversity more effectively.

Thousands of scientists and leaders of national and international research organizations today mourn the sad demise of an inspiring and visionary man who dedicated his life for a better and more food-secure world.      

Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International commented: "not only have we lost a great scientific leader in the field of plant genetic resources, but we also lost a dear friend and strong supporter of Bioversity International".

This tribute was written by Stefano Padulosi, a Bioversity International senior scientist, who worked closely with Professor Gian. Tommaso Scarascia-Mugnozza during his long association with our organisation.