Gates Ag One Renews Commitment to ENSA with New Joint Leadership to Accelerate Breakthrough Crop Science for Smallholder Farmers

ENSA enters new phase with Aarhus University and University of Cambridge at the helm driving innovation for sustainable agriculture

St Louis (October 28 2025) – Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) announces a new milestone for the Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA) research project, placing two world-leading scientific institutions at the forefront of efforts to revolutionize crop nutrition for smallholder farmers. ENSA will now operate under a dual directorship, with Professor Simona Radutoiu of Aarhus University appointed as Scientific Director, and Professor Uta Paszkowski of the University of Cambridge named Administrative Director.

Since 2023, Gates Ag One’s investment has enabled ENSA to push the boundaries of agricultural science, focusing on the development of crops that require fewer inputs and thrive in some of the world’s most nutrient-depleted soils. This new leadership model highlights the power of international collaboration as it leverages pioneering science to create more sustainable and productive agricultural systems worldwide.

“By advancing research that bridges the gap in crop nutrition and lowers the reliance on costly agricultural inputs, ENSA is opening the possibility for a more affordable, equitable, and environmentally sustainable agrifood systems in the future,” said Professor Simona Radutoiu, whose research explores plant and microbe interactions fundamental to this vision.

The new dual directorship model is designed to strengthen both the scientific and organizational foundations of ENSA as it enters this pivotal phase.

 “We look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundations that ENSA has already established and working towards our scientific and societal goals including on improving and expanding the use of beneficial microorganisms for the delivery of nutrients essential for sustainable crop production,” said Professor Uta Paszkowski, who leads pioneering work on enhancing cereal crop nutrition through natural symbioses.

Joe Cornelius, CEO of Gates Ag One, emphasized the importance of scientific investment. “The groundbreaking work of ENSA is fundamental to leveraging the latest crop technology to ensure all communities have the chance to thrive,” he said. “By partnering with leading institutions like Aarhus and Cambridge, we are accelerating the pace at which cutting-edge science reaches the hands of those who need it most.”

As ENSA moves forward under the joint stewardship of Aarhus University and the University of Cambridge, the project remains committed to developing practical, science-based solutions in continued collaboration with partners: University of Oxford, UK; NIAB, UK; Royal Holloway University of London, UK; Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands; University of Freiburg, Germany; University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, France; University of Illinois, USA; Pennsylvania State University, USA, La Trobe University, Australia.

About Gates Ag One:

Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) is a non-profit organization that accelerates breakthrough agricultural research to meet the urgent and neglected needs of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Out of the conviction that all lives have equal value, Gates Ag One serves the interests of smallholder farmers, who are most exposed to climate shocks yet lack the access that others have to the latest agricultural innovations. Gates Ag One works to level the playing field and empower smallholder farmers to transform their agricultural productivity, nutrition security and climate resilience.