Dr. Mariangela Hungria from Brazil will be honored with the prestigious 2025 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking work in biological nitrogen fixation, revolutionizing soil health and crop nutrition in tropical agriculture. Her innovative, low-cost technologies have boosted crop productivity across tens of millions of hectares, making agriculture more sustainable and affordable.
By using symbiotic microorganisms instead of synthetic fertilizers, Dr. Hungria has not only enhanced plant nutrient uptake but also helped farmers save billions of dollars while reducing environmental pollution and emissions.
Her research has transformed Brazil into the world leader in the commercial use of biological inoculants, which are applied to soil to fix nitrogen naturally. This shift from chemical fertilizers has saved Brazilian farmers $25 billion annually, reduced CO2 emissions by 230 million metric tons, and helped boost Brazil’s agricultural output, particularly in soybeans.
Dr. Hungria’s journey began in the 1970s when she pursued a career in microbiology at a time when chemical fertilizers dominated soil science. She envisioned a “Micro Green Revolution,” using microorganisms to sustainably enhance agricultural productivity. Over decades, she led research at Embrapa Soja, Brazil’s National Soybean Center, and developed microbial inoculants for various crops. Her work has improved soil health and significantly reduced costs for farmers, particularly in tropical regions where soil health is a challenge.
Dr. Hungria’s research also introduced the co-inoculation of rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense, revolutionizing farming practices for crops like soybeans, maize, and rice. Her commitment to participatory science, collaborating with farmers and disseminating her findings, has made a significant global impact, increasing adoption rates of these technologies in Brazil and beyond.
Aside from her technical achievements, Dr. Hungria has been an advocate for women in science. Despite societal challenges, including balancing motherhood with a demanding career, she has mentored over 200 students, most of them women, and has become a role model for others in her field. Her advocacy extends to parents of children with special needs, drawing on her own experience as a mother to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Dr. Hungria’s work is crucial for global food security in an era of growing pressure to produce more food with fewer resources. Her innovations align with the global shift towards regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and eco-innovation. By contributing to soil health, re-carbonization, and sustainable farming practices, she has paved the way for a future where agriculture benefits both the environment and farmers.Her recognition with the World Food Prize underscores her unparalleled contributions to transforming global agricultural practices, making her one of the leading scientists in the pursuit of sustainable food production.
