A unique personality in the public debate

At the award ceremony, which took place at the Agronomy Association's Annual Meeting in Viborg, the award committee said: "You are receiving the award because in recent years you have contributed to a unique debate on climate understanding in the agricultural sector, both among peers, policy makers and the general public.

An outstanding career as an international researcher, teacher and advisor

Jørgen Eivind Olesen's outstanding career was illustrated by some of his other prestigious assignments:

• He has served on the IPCC, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and were part of the research team that received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
• He is an adjunct professor at the University of Copenhagen, China Agricultural University and Ganzu Agricultural University.
• He has held advisory roles for both the World Bank and the FAO.
• He chairs the agriculture and food group of the green think tank CONCITO.
• He is leading the way for the new generation

The committee concluded: "With your efforts in the green debate, you have also helped to raise the profile and image of agronomists and to inspire talented young people and make them interested in the agronomy profession. We are very grateful for this and wish you success in the future, not least with the new degree programs at AU Viborg, which you are now helping to create and build. 

The Agronomy Prize is awarded annually on the recommendation of a prize committee set up by the Association of Danish Agricultural Scientists.