On 21 October, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) presented the PIFI Distinguished Scientist Certificate to Professor Nazim S. Gruda in recognition of his outstanding contributions to agricultural and environmental sciences, particularly in sustainable horticulture, climate-smart agriculture, and resource-efficient production systems. The award ceremony was held at the CAS Institute of Soil Science in Nanjing, where Professor Shen Renfang, Director of the Institute, conferred the certificate.

The President's International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) is a CAS-funded program designed to foster global scientific cooperation and research exchange. Open to researchers worldwide, PIFI supports scholars at various career stages, with the "Distinguished Scientist" category representing its highest honor, reserved for internationally acclaimed and well-established scientists.

Professor Gruda's research spans sustainable and climate-smart horticulture, greenhouse and soilless cultivation systems, hydroponics, substrate culture, crop stress physiology, food quality and safety, and circular economy applications in agriculture. He has authored over 400 scientific and technical publications, including 36 books or book chapters, with approximately 200 Scopus-indexed papers co-authored with researchers from more than 40 countries. Listed among the Stanford Top 2% most influential scientists worldwide for six consecutive years, he was also ranked among the Top 100 most cited researchers in plant biology in 2025, with an h-index of 42 (Scopus) and over 8,500 citations.

In his speech, Professor Gruda highlighted the importance of enhancing international collaboration, particularly between CAS and the University of Bonn, and expanding joint research on sustainable food systems and climate adaptation strategies. He also dedicated the award to colleagues, students, and research partners worldwide, whose dedication and intellectual curiosity have been a continuous source of inspiration. Following the ceremony, Professor Gruda delivered a keynote lecture titled "Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification – Vegetable Production," addressing the impact of climate change and pre-harvest factors on greenhouse vegetable quality.

During his two-week visit in China, Professor Gruda gave four lectures at the Institute of Soil Science and the Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, and visited research stations in Taicang, Nanjing, and Yangling, engaging in scientific discussions and exploring opportunities for future collaborative projects.

Director Shen Renfang awarding the certificate to Professor Nazim S. Gruda