The Global Plant Council warmly congratulates Professors David E. Salt and Martin Broadley on receiving the 2026 Rank Prize for Nutrition. As an organization representing the plant science community, we are especially proud to celebrate this achievement because it underscores what our field contributes to society: transforming fundamental plant biology into tangible solutions.
This year’s Rank Prize honours two plant scientists whose work demonstrates the power of understanding plants at the molecular, ecological and agricultural scales. Professors Salt and Broadley have reshaped how we understand the movement, accumulation and nutritional significance of mineral elements in plants. Their research is already improving soil, crop and dietary quality for millions of people, particularly in regions most affected by micronutrient deficiencies.
The prize will be formally awarded in June 2026 in London.
Why This Research Matters for Sustainable Food Systems
Micronutrient deficiencies, sometimes referred to as hidden hunger, affect billions of people, especially where diets rely heavily on staple crops that lack essential minerals. The work of Professors Salt and Broadley has illuminated how soils, crops, genes and environments interact to shape the mineral nutrient content of food. Crucially, their research has evolved from fundamental discovery to real-world interventions.
Professor David E. Salt
Professor David E. Salt, University of Nottingham, is internationally recognised as a founder of ionomics—the high-throughput measurement and analysis of an organism’s elemental composition. His research has uncovered the molecular mechanisms that allow plants to take up, transport and store essential mineral nutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium and molybdenum, as well as potentially harmful elements including cadmium and arsenic. A Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher with more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, Salt continues to bridge fundamental plant biology with innovation that addresses global nutritional challenges.
Professor Martin Broadley
Professor Martin Broadley, Science Director at Rothamsted Research and Chair in Plant Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, has been a driving force in translating plant mineral research into nutrition-sensitive agricultural strategies. With around 250 publications and more than 30,000 citations, Broadley’s influence spans plant science, agriculture, public health and development policy.
Call to Action
The Global Plant Council celebrates this award not only as recognition of two outstanding scientists, but also as a powerful reminder of the central role of plant science in addressing major global challenges. Their achievements illustrate how understanding plants at the genetic and physiological levels can lead to interventions that improve health, reduce inequality and build more resilient food systems.
As governments, NGOs and research organisations seek sustainable solutions to hidden hunger, the work of Professors Salt and Broadley shows the way forward: science-driven interventions that begin with plants, but end with healthier lives and stronger communities.
About the Rank Prize
Founded in 1972 by British industrialist and philanthropist Lord J. Arthur Rank, the Rank Prize celebrates outstanding scientific achievements in nutrition and optoelectronics—the fields upon which Rank built his businesses and legacy. In addition to its biennial awards, the Prize supports research grants, studentships, symposia and scientific communities worldwide, fostering collaboration between emerging researchers and global leaders.
Read the press release: Rank Prize 2026
