Bui Ba Bong, 27 April 2023 - 19 June 2023

Bui Ba Bong is a Vietnamese agricultural scientist who has made contributions to agriculture and rural development in Vietnam. Born in 1944, in Vietnam, he earned his Master's and PhD in Crop Science from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. He was the last student under the supervision of MS Swaminathan. He spent most of his career working in Rice Research Institute, Vietnam -- first as a scientist, followed by the Head of the Plant Breeding Division, Deputy Director, and finally Director of the institute. He also served as the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Vietnam from 2001 to 2013. During this time, he oversaw agricultural research, education, and extension services across the nation. His work led to improvements in infrastructure, research programs, and the training of scientists within Vietnam's agricultural sector. He is also known for his advocacy of technology transfer and collaboration between government research institutes and private companies in agricultural development.