ACS Names Syngenta’s Camilla Corsi 2026 Agrochemical Research Award Winner
Camilla Corsi, Head of Crop Protection Research & Development at Syngenta, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 American Chemical Society (ACS) International Award for Research in Agrochemicals, recognizing her leadership, scientific expertise and contributions to the development of innovative crop protection technologies.
The award highlights Corsi’s influential role in the discovery and development of several important crop protection active ingredients, including the fungicide pydiflumetofen, marketed through Syngenta’s ADEPIDYN® technology; the insecticides isocycloseram and spiropidion, represented by PLINAZOLIN® and TINIVION® technologies, respectively; and the novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) nematicide cyclobutrifluram, which is part of the TYMIRIUM® technology.
The recognition comes as the ACS Fall Meeting gets underway, with a special symposium being held in Corsi’s honor. The event provides an opportunity for scientists and industry professionals to recognize her contributions to agrochemical research and discuss the scientific advances that are helping shape the future of crop protection.
Recognizing a Career in Crop Protection Innovation
Corsi’s career at Syngenta spans more than two decades. A chemist by training, she joined the company in 2004 and subsequently held a series of leadership positions across Research & Development. Her career has focused on advancing scientific discovery and transforming research into practical solutions for farmers.
In January 2025, Corsi assumed leadership of Syngenta’s Crop Protection Research & Development organization. The global organization includes more than 3,000 scientists, technologists and regulatory experts working across 51 countries. Its capabilities are supported by four major research sites and a broad network of scientific expertise spanning chemistry, biology, formulation, regulatory science and agricultural technology.
Corsi was also appointed to Syngenta Group’s extended Global Leadership Team in January 2025 and serves as a member of the company’s Innovation Board. Her responsibilities place her at the center of Syngenta’s efforts to develop new technologies capable of addressing some of agriculture’s most complex challenges.
“This is a very proud moment for me,” Corsi said. She added that Syngenta continues to invest in key technologies to make agriculture more productive, sustainable and resilient in response to increasing climate and resource pressures.
Corsi also expressed appreciation to the American Chemical Society for recognizing both her individual contribution and the wider scientific work taking place at Syngenta.
Advancing a New Generation of Crop Protection
The technologies associated with Corsi’s work represent an important part of Syngenta’s crop protection portfolio. ADEPIDYN®, PLINAZOLIN® and TYMIRIUM® are designed to provide farmers with effective tools for managing diseases, insect pests and nematodes across a variety of crops and agricultural regions.
Pydiflumetofen, the active ingredient behind ADEPIDYN® technology, is a fungicide developed to provide broad-spectrum disease control. Isocycloseram, associated with PLINAZOLIN® technology, brings a new mode of action for insect control, while spiropidion provides another innovative approach to managing damaging insect populations. Cyclobutrifluram, meanwhile, is an SDHI nematicide developed to help protect crops from nematode threats.
Together, these technologies demonstrate the importance of continued investment in chemistry and biological sciences as agricultural systems face increasing pressure from climate change, evolving pests and diseases, resource constraints and the need to produce more food efficiently.
Long-Term Investment in Agricultural Research
Syngenta maintains one of the industry’s largest crop protection research and development programs, investing up to $2 billion annually in R&D across its business units. The company is also targeting the launch of at least 20 new proprietary innovations in crop protection and biologicals over the next decade.
The development of a new crop protection product is a lengthy and highly regulated process. Before a product can reach farmers, it must undergo extensive research, testing and regulatory evaluation to demonstrate that it can be used safely and effectively.
Industry development timelines can extend beyond a decade, while the average cost of bringing a new crop protection product to market has risen above $300 million. Scientists must evaluate a potential product’s performance against target pests while also assessing its safety for agricultural workers, consumers, crops and the environment.
These requirements make innovation in crop protection particularly demanding. Researchers must combine advanced chemistry with biology, toxicology, environmental science, agronomy and regulatory expertise to transform an initial scientific discovery into a commercially viable agricultural solution.
Expanding Beyond Conventional Chemistry
While synthetic crop protection products remain an important part of modern agriculture, Syngenta is also expanding research into biological solutions. These products are derived from natural sources or inspired by processes found in nature.
Biological technologies can contribute to crop productivity in several ways, including helping farmers manage pests, improving nutrient uptake and supporting plant resilience under challenging environmental conditions. The combination of conventional chemistry, biological solutions and other technologies is creating a broader toolbox for farmers.
This integrated approach is becoming increasingly important as growers seek solutions that can help maintain productivity while reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.
Artificial Intelligence Transforming R&D
Technology is also changing how agricultural innovation takes place. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data analysis are increasingly being integrated into crop protection research and agricultural operations.
In the laboratory, machine learning can help researchers examine enormous chemical spaces and identify promising molecules much faster than traditional approaches alone. Generative design technologies can further assist scientists in creating and optimizing potential active ingredients, potentially accelerating the path from discovery to development.
The role of AI extends beyond the laboratory. In agriculture, drones and advanced imaging technologies can detect crop conditions and pest or disease pressure, while AI-powered systems can help translate field data into agronomic recommendations. Such tools have the potential to make precision agriculture more accessible and scalable.
AI can also support agricultural supply chains by improving demand forecasting, optimizing logistics and helping companies respond more efficiently to changing market conditions.
The convergence of artificial intelligence, data, chemistry and agronomic expertise therefore represents a significant opportunity to transform agricultural innovation.
Supporting the Next Generation of Scientists
Corsi’s work also extends beyond scientific research and corporate leadership. Originally from Italy, she earned a graduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Florence before completing a PhD at University College London in the United Kingdom.
She is a co-sponsor of Syngenta’s Women Leading in Science network and actively advocates for women and girls pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Her efforts reflect a broader focus on developing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Her recognition by the ACS highlights not only her individual scientific achievements but also the importance of collaboration, leadership and sustained investment in agricultural research. As farmers worldwide confront changing climates, emerging pests, resource limitations and growing food demand, scientific innovation will remain central to building more productive and resilient food systems.
The 2026 ACS International Award for Research in Agrochemicals therefore represents a significant milestone in Corsi’s career and underscores the continuing importance of chemistry and innovation in addressing the challenges facing modern agriculture.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
