By Scout Nelson
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) has congratulated Professor James C. Schnable for receiving the 2026 National Academy of Sciences Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences. The award recognizes scientists whose research has made major contributions to agriculture, food production, or the biological understanding of important agricultural species.
The prize honors mid-career scientists in the United States who demonstrate outstanding achievements in agricultural science. It includes a medal and a cash award of $100,000. FFAR established the prize in 2017 to highlight and support innovative scientific research that strengthens agriculture and food systems.
Professor Schnable works at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is known for his research in plant genetics and crop breeding. His work focuses on improving important crops such as corn and sorghum. These crops play a critical role in global food production and are widely grown by farmers around the world.
“Being selected for this prize is a tremendous honor that reflects the hard work and accomplishments of an incredible group of trainees and collaborators," said Schnable.
His research combines several advanced scientific approaches, including quantitative genetics, modern phenotyping techniques, and data science tools. By using these technologies together, Schnable’s team can study plant traits more accurately and accelerate the development of improved crop varieties.
These innovations help breeders develop crops that use nutrients more efficiently and perform better under environmental stress. As a result, farmers can grow crops that are more productive and resilient under changing climate conditions. The research also helps provide better insights into crop performance in real time, supporting improved decision-making in plant breeding programs.
“Dr. Schnable’s achievements exemplify the type of bold, interdisciplinary research FFAR strives to support,” said Saharah Moon Chapotin, FFAR executive director. “By combining genetics, engineering and computational tools, he’s transforming how we improve crops for U.S. farmers and communities. His work deepens scientific understanding and drives practical solutions that strengthen agricultural systems.”
Leaders in the agricultural research community praised Schnable’s work for combining different scientific fields to solve complex agricultural challenges. His research demonstrates how modern tools such as computational analysis and engineering techniques can work together with plant genetics to improve crops and strengthen agricultural systems.
Schnable has shared that his early experiences working in cornfields shaped his interest in agriculture and research. Seeing how scientific discoveries can move from the laboratory to real farming applications inspired him to focus on tools that support crop breeders and researchers.
"I grew up working in cornfields, seeing what it takes to move discoveries from idea to experimental results to commercial products and services, as well as the vast impact new technologies and discoveries can have for crop breeders and farmers,” said Schnable. “Now I get to spend my career building tools that help researchers across the public and private sectors go bigger and scale faster. I couldn't ask for a better job.”
Through his work, Schnable continues to contribute to the development of new technologies and knowledge that benefit farmers, researchers, and the global food system.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: Nebraska, Business, Crops, Corn