An early-career wheat researcher has received an international award for her outstanding achievements. 

Bernice Waweru, a fourth-year PhD student at the John Innes Centre, is one of three young scientists worldwide to receive a Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum (WIT) Early Career Award for 2026. 

Bernice’s research focuses on uncovering the genetic basis of wheat disease resistance, integrating molecular biology, high-resolution phenotyping, genetics, and computational approaches. 

Through analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, her work has helped to identify genetic sequence variation underlying yellow rust resistance in wheat. 

This has helped the research community to better understand complex regions of the wheat genome and supports the development of tools that allow breeders to identify disease resistance genes. 

“I’m honoured to receive this award, and I look forward to making full use of the opportunities it offers for professional and personal development,” said Bernice. 

The award established under the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI), provides professional development opportunities for early-career women working in wheat research. 

It is named after Jeanie Borlaug Laube, a scientific mentor and daughter of the Nobel Peace Prize winner and wheat pioneer Dr Norman Baulaug. 

Recent John Innes Centre recipients of the award are Dr Isabel Fauci in 2024, and Dr Marina Millan-Blanquez in 2023. 

Jeanie Borlaug Laub, chair of the BGRI, said of this year’s winners: “These scientists are carrying forward my father’s legacy through research that connects discovery, leadership and service to global food security.” 

Dr Maricellis Acevedo, Research Professor at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science and Director for Science of the BGRI, said: “BGRI was founded on the understanding that wheat disease threats require a global scientific response. 

“The 2026 WIT awardees reflect that mission through research that connects discovery with practical wheat improvement. The science recognised this year can help breeding programmes move faster, use resistance more precisely and strengthen wheat against disease and climate stress.”