Pioneering Agricultural Scientist and Global Food Security Leader
Associated with :
Wageningen University & ResearchLouise Ottilie Fresco served as President of the Executive Board of Wageningen University & Research from 2014 to 2022, culminating a remarkable career spanning academia, international development, and policy leadership. After earning her PhD in Tropical Plant Breeding and Production Systems cum laude from Wageningen University in 1986, she went on to serve as Assistant Director-General at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (2000-2006) and held numerous influential positions in global food security initiatives. Her tenure at WUR was marked by significant achievements, including strengthening the institution's international position, establishing the Omnia dialogue centre, and creating the Louise O. Fresco Fund for students facing financial difficulties. Her expertise is recognized through membership in multiple prestigious academies, including the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and Arts, Spanish Academy of Engineering Sciences, French Academy of Agriculture, and Belgium's Royal Academy of Overseas Sciences. She continues to serve as a columnist for NRC, member of the Trilateral Commission, and board member of various cultural institutions including the National Opera and Ballet. Her contributions to science and society were honored in June 2022 when she was appointed Commander in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Throughout her career, she has maintained an extensive involvement in development programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while teaching in Sweden, Belgium, and the US, establishing herself as a leading voice in global food security and sustainable agriculture.