Mary Akinyuwa

Mary Akinyuwa is a scientist driven by a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and global food security.
As a Biochemist and Molecular Biologist at Corteva Agriscience, she investigates the mode of action and resistance mechanisms of pesticides, ensuring their long-term efficacy and accessibility for growers worldwide. Her work optimizes high-throughput screening, data analytics, and strategic R&D pipelines, enabling the development of next-generation crop protection solutions that improve agricultural resilience and productivity. With over five years in research and development, Mary has spearheaded high-impact R&D initiatives, optimizing innovation pipelines, reducing development timelines, and enhancing scientific decision-making. Her expertise in molecular biology, biochemical characterization, and data-driven analysis has contributed to advancements in plant pathology, biocontrol strategies, and sustainable pest management. She works at the intersection of science and industry, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into real-world agricultural applications.

Growing up, Mary witnessed the challenges growers face and how these struggles ripple through the agricultural value chain. This shaped her lifelong commitment to agricultural resilience and equitable food access. She believes science must drive real-world impact, ensuring breakthroughs in crop protection and biocontrol are accessible, effective, and sustainable. Now a published researcher, Mary has authored peer-reviewed articles in Nature Communications, Virus Genes, and Frontiers in Agronomy and has presented at leading scientific conferences on resistance management, plant-microbe interactions, and agrifood innovation. Trained across Africa, Europe, and North America, she brings a unique perspective to agricultural sustainability. Holding three master’s degrees in Plant Pathology, Sustainable Cropping Systems, and Plant Health through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship, she integrates diverse scientific expertise to advance sustainable agriculture.

Beyond research, Mary is a leader in agricultural innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. She bridges science, industry, and applied research, developing data-driven strategies for sustainable food systems. She has worked extensively on stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer, and mentorship, facilitating cross-sector collaboration between scientists, industry professionals, and agricultural decision-makers. Her ability to translate research into actionable insights supports scientists, growers, and agribusiness leaders in making evidence-based, market-aligned decisions that drive both agricultural sustainability and economic growth.

As a 2025 Farm Foundation Young Agri-Food Leader, Mary is dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture through innovation, research, and strategic policy engagement. She sees science as a tool for transformation, working to ensure that agriculture remains adaptive, resilient, and capable of feeding a growing world. Through research, mentorship, and advocacy, she is committed to bridging the gap between discovery and application, ensuring lasting advancements in sustainable food production and global food security.