ENSA is proud to highlight the participation of ENSA Co-director Professor Uta Paszkowski in the signing ceremony of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS), marking her formal induction as an International Member of one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions.
In response to the announcement of her election in 2025, Uta said:
“I still cannot believe that this is true and thank the NAS for the recognition of our work. Even more, I feel an immense gratitude to my team for all the wonderful science that we do together.”
Uta’s election to the NAS recognises her distinguished contributions to plant science, particularly her pioneering research into symbiotic relationships between plants, in particular cereals and fungi. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses – a widespread and ancient partnership that plays a crucial role in plant nutrition, especially phosphate uptake in crops. Uta and her team established rice and maize as crop model systems for studying AM symbiosis, contributing seminal insights that continue to shape the field. ¨
The NAS signing ceremony is a symbolic milestone for newly elected members, reflecting their commitment to scientific excellence and service to the global research community. For ENSA, Uta’s presence at this ceremony underscores not only her personal achievement, but also the scientific impact of ENSA research on sustainable farming and plant–microbe interactions. Her research and leadership are vital for driving ENSA’s vision to advance beneficial interactions between crops and the soil microbiome to strengthen sustainable farming worldwide.
Her election places her among a distinguished cohort of scientists whose work drives innovation and deepens fundamental biological understanding. ENSA warmly congratulates Uta Paszkowski on this honour.
Watch the signing ceremony (59.34): https://www.youtube.com/live/uA_poCOLqiQ?si=EOUT-PhotiqYPEiR&t=3574