We are immensely proud to announce that a distinguished member of our research team (HRZZ-IP-2022-10-9643), Prof. Dr. Walter Leal, is the recipient of a top international honor the 2026 Applied Chemical Ecology Award, presented by the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE).

This prestigious award recognizes world-leading scientists for outstanding career achievements and significant contributions to the development of innovative semiochemical-based technologies for practical application in chemical ecology.

Professor Leal, a distinguished professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and former chair of the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), is an elected member of both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). He is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on insect chemical communication, including the identification of pheromones and the mechanisms by which pests detect and respond to odors. His work has led to 23 patents and numerous practical applications that directly protect agricultural crops and reduce losses in food production.

His wealth of experience, innovative approach, and world-class scientific expertise add immense value to our project team’s research endeavors.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Leal on this exceptional and thoroughly deserved recognition!

You can read more about Prof. Dr. Walter Leal and the award here.

Walter Leal: From ‘Rough Childhood’ to Internationally Recognized Scientist