Colombia’s National Federation of Cereal Growers and National Federation of Coffee Growers organized the Carlos De Leon International Symposium in Maize Breeding to recognize the outstanding contributions of Carlos De Leon, CIMMYT Principal Scientist.

On 30 September 2003, more than 300 representatives from the seed industry, processing industry, farming communities, and research, academic, extension, and policy organizations gathered to commend De Leon for 37 years of dedicated and consistently useful work to increase maize productivity in South America and, previously, in Asia and Mesoamerica.

Keynote speakers included colleagues Branco Miranda of Brazil, Henry Vanegas of Colombia, Ricardo Sevilla of Peru, Samuel Cabrera of Venezuela, and Hugo Córdova of CIMMYT’s Maize Program.

The Symposium, described by one participant as “one of the most rewarding demonstrations of gratitude for a well-done job,” marks the culmination of De Leon’s long and productive career with CIMMYT.

Aside from his achievements in research, De Leon is known for developing a guide to maize diseases that is used by researchers throughout the world. CIMMYT much appreciates this gracious recognition of De Leon’s many accomplishments.