Thomas Lübberstedt, professor and K.J. Frey Chair in Agronomy, is the recipient of the faculty 2025 Outstanding Achievement in International Agriculture Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. With more than 30 years of experience in research, education and leadership, Lübberstedt has made great contributions to international agriculture through innovative plant breeding technologies, global collaborations and impactful educational programs.
Much of Lübberstedt’s research has been to improve technology for doubled haploids. He is the founder and professor-in-charge of the Doubled Haploid Facility at Iowa State, the first public doubled haploid facility in the United States. Lübberstedt has developed haploid inducer lines for maize, enabling rapid development of high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties that 17 companies worldwide have licensed. Disease cloning is another research focus, and perennial ryegrass resource development.
Lübberstedt has a remarkable ability to secure research funding. A colleague stated, ”This funding reflects a healthy balance between highly competitive research grants and substantial industrial collaborations, highlighting again his unique capacity to combine visionary academic ambitions with real-world and globally impactful applications.”
Lübberstedt’s research initiatives have also fostered international student and scientist exchanges. In addition to being major or co-major professor of 41 doctorate students and 21 master’s degree students, he has supervised 17 postdoctoral researchers and 83 visiting scientists and students. They have come from all over the world (Brazil, China, India, Thailand, Switzerland, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey, Moldavia, Jordan, Lithuania, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Serbia and Ghana). Attracted by his outstanding program, they came and contributed significantly to the continuing success of Iowa State in research and technology development. Many of them are now leaders in research institutions or private companies as scientists in plant breeding, genetics or related areas.
A major outcome of his educational activities has been the online Master of Plant Breeding program, which focuses on the genetic improvement of crop plants through the study and application of genetics, statistics, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology and related sciences. The program offers fundamental skills in plant breeding, the study of advanced concepts such as genomic selection, and analysis of problems in plant breeding as they arise by global society. With this program, Lübberstedt has not only generated international impact by addressing global agricultural challenges, but provided education to upcoming professionals from diverse countries. This has enabled many students from around the world to advance their careers, fostering a truly global community of agricultural leaders.
A colleague stated, ”Dr. Lübberstedt has excelled in international agriculture by infusing international perspectives in teaching, research, outreach and service. His successful collaborations with many international agencies and multiple international seed and biotechnology companies brought research funding, student support and high-quality students and scholars to Iowa State. His international engagement is unparalleled.”