Lima, Peru — 3 June 2026 — The International Potato Center (CIP) proudly congratulates Dr. Masa Iwanaga, member of the CIP Board of Trustees and internationally respected agricultural scientist and leader, on being awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, one of Japan’s highest national honors.
The award was announced as part of the Government of Japan’s 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations and recognizes Dr. Iwanaga’s outstanding contributions to international agricultural research, scientific cooperation, and global food security.
The Order of the Rising Sun is bestowed upon individuals who have made distinguished contributions to society, international relations, culture, science, and public service. The rank of Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon is among the Order’s senior classes and honors exceptional achievement and service.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Iwanaga has been a champion of agricultural innovation, biodiversity conservation, and international cooperation. His leadership has helped strengthen global agricultural research systems and advance efforts to improve food and nutrition security worldwide.
“Dr. Iwanaga’s dedication to agricultural science and international development has benefited millions of people around the world,” said Helen Hambly Odame, Chair of the CIP Board of Trustees. “We are privileged to have him as a member of the CIP Board and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”
As a member of the CIP Board of Trustees, Dr. Iwanaga contributes deep expertise, strategic insight, and a lifelong commitment to improving livelihoods through science and innovation. His guidance continues to support CIP’s mission of sharing the benefits of potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and other root and tuber crops to address the food security, poverty, and climate challenges of the present and future.
CIP joins colleagues and partners across the CGIAR system and the global agricultural research community in celebrating this remarkable achievement.
About CIP
The International Potato Center (CIP) is a research-for-development organization dedicated to delivering science-based innovations in potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and other root and tuber crops to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods around the world.