LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (01 August 2023) ~ Deputy Director General for Research Dr. Ajay Kohli has been appointed interim Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) by the Board of Trustees, effective 1 August 2023. He will be taking over from Dr. Jean Balié, who will transition to a new role in CGIAR as Director for the Impact Area Platform on Poverty Reduction, Livelihoods, and Jobs.
“As Interim Director General, Dr. Kohli’s primary focus will be ensuring stability and continuity in IRRI’s mission,” said Cao Duc Phat, Chair of the IRRI Board of Trustees. ”Dr. Kohli will collaborate with the Board of Trustees Leadership Transition Committee, the Executive Team, The Research Leadership Team, IRRI staff, CGIAR, and our global partners to uphold the Institute’s commitment to excellence in rice systems research for development and impact.”
“Thank you for your trust and support going ahead. I assure you of my full commitment to elevating IRRI higher in all aspects,” said Dr. Kohli. “Moving forward, we will focus on accelerating the development and roll-out of game-changing scientific solutions and ensure success on multiple fronts while continuing to be a strong cohesive team.”
Dr. Kohli brings 33 years of extensive experience and expertise in research and leadership in various capacities within IRRI, as well as in academia at universities and research institutes in India, the UK, USA, and Germany.
In his role as Deputy Director General for Research, Dr. Kohli led the development and operationalization of IRRI’s four product-focused flagship programs (Direct Dry-Seeded Rice, Nutritious Products and Diet, Climate Resilient Farming, and Accelerated Impact) that address key challenges and provide significant opportunities for game-changing research leading to impactful product innovations.
During Dr. Kohli’s tenure and under Jean Balie’s oversight, IRRI’s new institutional climate change…