Our History

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The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), founded in 1988 by Professor M. S. Swaminathan, stands as a global leader in leveraging science and technology for sustainable rural development. Established with the proceeds of the First World Food Prize, MSSRF embodies the visionary ethos of its founder, who transformed the landscape of food security and ecological sustainability.

Guided by a pro-poor, pro-woman, and pro-nature approach, the Foundation addresses critical community challenges through holistic, interdisciplinary research and by integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge scientific advancements. Rooted in participatory models, MSSRF partners with local communities, public and private sectors, and academic institutions to work towards solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and impactful.

Over the decades, MSSRF has made a transformative impact on rural communities, improving the lives and livelihoods of nearly 700,000 small farmers, fishers, and tribal populations. With a growing presence in 18 countries, the Foundation continues to serve as a hub for innovation, driving initiatives that empower women, strengthen climate resilience, promote biodiversity, ensure nutrition security, and enhance overall health and well-being.

Today, under the leadership of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, MSSRF continues its mission of bridging science and society for sustainable development and lifting up the linkages between environment and health.

The Foundation welcomes partnerships with relevant donors, researchers, and changemakers committed to tackling poverty, hunger, and environmental challenges while enhancing health and well-being, especially in the face of the rising climate crisis.