Eduard Akhunov Receives Top K-State Research Honor

Research excellence in crop improvement earns top honor

• Bonnie Johnson
• October 27, 2026
• Media Article

Kansas State University researcher Eduard Akhunov received the Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for his pioneering wheat genetics research, advancing climate-resilient, high-yield crops that support global food security.

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Eduard Akhunov, a leading wheat researcher at Kansas State University (K-State), has received the Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for Research from the K-State Alumni Association. The award recognizes his contributions to wheat genetics and crop improvement that support global food security.
 

Akhunov is a principal investigator for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Cereals and director of the Wheat Genetics Resource Center at K-State. He also serves as a university distinguished professor of plant pathology in the College of Agriculture.
 

Originally from Russia, Akhunov earned a master’s degree in biochemistry from Novosibirsk State University in 1992 and a Ph.D. in plant molecular biology from the Institute of Genetics in 1999. After completing postdoctoral research at the University of California, Davis, he joined K-State in 2007.
 

His research focuses on identifying genes that improve wheat’s resistance to pests and diseases while enhancing tolerance to drought and heat. These efforts help develop stronger wheat varieties capable of producing higher yields and better-quality grain.
 

Akhunov and his team use advanced technologies, including genomics, genetics, molecular biology, phenomics, and gene editing. Their work aims to strengthen crop performance and support sustainable agricultural production.
 

As part of the recognition, Akhunov received a $7,500 award. Jessica Heier Stamm, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, was also honored for excellence in teaching.
 

Established in 2007, the Dr. Ron and Rae Iman Outstanding Faculty Awards are sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association. The program recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional achievement in research and teaching.
 

Akhunov’s award highlights the impact of his work in advancing wheat science and developing resilient crops for the future. His research continues to contribute to agricultural innovation and global food security.
 

Photo Credit: Kansas State University