Jon Hellin
Initiative Co-Leader - ClimBeR
With a PhD in Geography, an MSc in Forestry, and a BA in Modern History, Jon's interdisciplinary background has informed his holistic approach to agricultural research-for-development (AR4D). He has thirty years’ interdisciplinary research experience...
Jongsoo Shin
Regional Director for Asia
Dr. Shin serves as IRRI’s Representative for Asia, coordinating the institute's activities and aligning strategies with regional priorities. He collaborates with government entities and partners to enhance the agri-food sector and acts as the chief...
Joseph Bigirimana
Country Representative for Burundi
Joseph coordinates and leads all IRRI’s research and capacity building in Burundi. This includes initiating and managing numerous field sites for testing locally-adapted potential new rice varieties for the country. He also coordinates Farmer Field...
Joy Marie Gimena
Head of Information Technology
Joy Gimena is a technology and data strategy executive with over a decade of experience leading digital transformation, data systems architecture, and business analytics across international NGOs, consulting firms, and academic institutions. Her...
Jummai O. Yila
Country Representative for Uganda and Research Leader - Gender & Livelihoods Unit
Jummai Yila is an experienced gender and development professional with a diverse skillset and global reach. She is a Senior Scientist - Gender and Social Research and serves as the Country Representative for Uganda and Research Leader of the Gender...
Junel B. Soriano
Deputy Director General – Philippines Representative
Dr. Junel Soriano has over twenty years of dedicated service in the Philippine agriculture sector, promoting sustainable and science-based agri-food systems. Most recently, he served as Director IV at the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of...
Kazuki Saito
Senior Scientist II - Cropping Systems Agronomy / Climate Change
Kazuki Saito (PhD) is an agronomist employed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines. He is leading the Sustainable Soils sub-unit under Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems department. He has more than...
Kristina Cassandra Santos
Head of Communication and Engagements
Kristina Cassandra Santos is a communication and marketing professional with over 15 years of progressive experience spanning corporate public relations, development communication, digital marketing, and crisis management. Her multidisciplinary...
Kurniawan Rudi Trijatmiko
Scientist II- Genome Engineering Regulatory Science and Affairs - Rice Genetic Design & Validation Unit
Rudi is a Scientist II – Genome Engineering Regulatory Science and Regulatory Affairs with a strong academic background in molecular genetics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding and further pursued his passion through a master's in...
Lilia Molina
Research Manager - IRRI Service Laboratories, Integrative Research Support
As Research Manager of IRRI Service Laboratories (ISL), Lilia manages three laboratories—Analytical Service Laboratories, Grain Quality Evaluation Services, and Genotyping Service Laboratory which play a vital role in providing solutions to...
Mahender Anumalla
Postdoctoral Fellow - Trait Development
Mahender Anumalla is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the late maturity breeding program of IRRI. His major research focuses on the phenotypic characterization of diverse rice materials to develop elite breeding panels for drought, salinity, and submergence...
Martina Castellion
Research Manager, Seed Health and Logistics Unit, Rice Breeding Innovations
Martina leads and provides strategic direction to the Seed Health and Logistics Unit, including operational excellence, innovation in seed diagnostic testing and phytosanitation, and outreach to partners, regulators and customers. The Seed Health and...
Mary Jean Du
Regional Breeding Lead for Southeast Asia
Jean is the Regional Breeding Lead for Southeast Asia with a strong academic background in agriculture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Breeding and further pursued her passion through a master's in Agricultural Development - major in Agronomy...
Matty Demont
Research Leader - Markets, Consumers & Nutrition
Matty Demont has more than 20 years of experience leading research and engaging with policy makers on food system transformation throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. He acquired vast field experience through numerous surveys, workshops, expert...
Melanie Connor
Senior Scientist I - Market Intelligence and Product Profiling
Melanie’s research background focuses on understanding behavioral change specifically risk perception and communication by investigating the public perception of environmental and nutritional issues. Melanie is also studying behavior change models...