NACA would like to congratulate Dr Thuy Nguyen, Coordinator of the NACA Genetics and Biodiversity Programme, for winning the Japan International Award 2008 for Young Agricultural Researchers. The award, conferred by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, is given in recognition of the contribution of young agricultural researchers to technological development for the improvement of food security and the environment for developing countries. Dr Nguyen will travel to Japan in mid-November to receive the award.