Sasaki receives the "Golden Sickle Award"

Dr. Takuji Sasaki, the director of the Rice Genome Research Program (RGP) and overall chairman of the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project received the "Golden Sickle Award" from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand in a special ceremony held at the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center, Kasetsart University in Bangkok on September 1, 2004. The other awardees include Prof. Yuan Longping of the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center, and Dr. John C. O'Toole of the Rockefeller Foundation, U.S.A. The ceremony was also highlighted by the presentation of the "Pearl Rice Medal" to Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in recognition of her never ending support to researches and projects that continuously stimulate rice productivity in Thailand.

The "Golden Sickle Award" is presented to outstanding researchers who have made significant accomplishments and contributions that will propel rice research into the future. Dr. Sasaki was recognized for his leadership in the rice genome project in Japan and the international effort for sequencing the rice genome. The sequencing collaboration has already published the high-quality draft sequence of the genome and the finished-quality sequence will be completed by the end of this year. Professor Yuan Longping was cited for his achievements in hybrid rice research, which has led to self-sufficiency in China. Dr. John O'Toole was recognized not only for his research in drought tolerance in rice but also for his active role in implementing research projects in many Asian countries through the Rockefeller Foundation.

The ceremony was also part of the 1st International Conference on Rice of the Future held from August 31 to September 3, 2004 with the theme "Breeding Rice into the Future" to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Queen Sirikit's birthday and the International Year of Rice. A keynote lecture was presented by Dr. Rod Wing from the Arizona State University, USA. This was followed by the lecture presentations from the three awardees. Other invited speakers include Dr. Verk Paminder (IRRI), Dr. Howarth Bouis (IFPRI USA), Dr. Baltazar Antonio (NIAS Japan), Dr. Apichart Vanavichit (Kasetsart Univ), Dr. Christophe Brugidou (IRD France), Dr. Theerayut Toojinda (BIOTEC), Dr. Shu Fukai (Univ. Queensland), Dr. Gary Alklin (IRRI), Dr. Boonrat Jongdee (Ubon Rice Research Center), Dr. Enrique Angeles (Honda Research Inst.) and Dr. Peerasak Srinives (Kasetsart Univ.).

The meeting was attended by participants mainly from Thailand and other Asian countries. A field trip to the Pathum Thani Rice Research Center, the Royal King's Project and the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture was also held. The meeting was organized by the Kasetsart University, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and the Rice Research Institute of the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative.

Dr. Sasaki at the awarding ceremony of the 1st International Conference on Rice of the Future held in Bangkok, Thailand. The Golden Sickle Award is symbolized by the sickle used in harvesting for many centuries and the rice plant representing the farmer's prosperity and endurance. The plaque was designed by Dr. Apichart Vanavichit of Kasetsart University, Thailand.