Evangelina Villegas Moreno was born on October 24, 1924, in Mexico City, a date that marked the beginning of a life that would significantly influence global nutrition and agricultural science. As a pioneering Mexican biochemist, she later became known worldwide for her work on Quality Protein Maize (QPM), which earned her alongside her collaborator Surinder Vasal the prestigious World Food Prize in 2000, making her the first woman to receive the honor.
Early Life and Education
Roots in Mexico City
Born and raised in Mexico’s capital, Evangelina’s early years coincided with a time when few women pursued higher education. Despite societal barriers, she enrolled at the National Polytechnic Institute, earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology a significant achievement for a woman in the 1940s.
Advanced Studies in the United States
Driven by her passion for crop science, she pursued graduate studies in the U.S. She completed her M.Sc. in cereal technology at Kansas State University in 1962, followed by a Ph.D. in cereal chemistry and breeding from North Dakota State University in 1967.
Professional Career and Research Contributions
Work at the National Institute of Nutrition
In 1950, Evangelina began her scientific career at the National Institute of Nutrition in Mexico City. She joined the Office of Special Studies supported by the Rockefeller Foundation a prelude to her later role at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
CIMMYT and the Birth of Quality Protein Maize
Joining CIMMYT in 1967 as head of the cereal protein quality laboratory, Villegas played a pivotal role in the QPM program. Working alongside maize breeder Surinder Vasal, she developed chemical screening methods to identify maize varieties with higher levels of essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Their work transformed staple maize crops into nutritionally enhanced varieties, supporting child growth and combating malnutrition in developing nations.
Impact of Quality Protein Maize
Nutritional Breakthrough
QPM doubled the usable protein quality in maize, offering vital nutrition to populations dependent on maize-based diets. In Ethiopia, studies showed a 15% increase in weight gain among children who consumed QPM compared to those on conventional maize.
Global Reach
By the late 1990s, QPM was cultivated on over one million hectares globally and is now planted across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Awards and Recognition
- World Food Prize, 2000 (co-awarded with Surinder Vasal) first woman recipient
- Woman of the Year, Mexico National Award, 2000
- Distinguished alumni honors from Kansas State University (2013) and National Polytechnic Institute (1972)
- Lázaro Cárdenas Medal and honorary Doctor of Science degree
Legacy and Global Influence
Laboratory Honors and Mentorship
After her passing in 2017, CIMMYT honored her by renaming the maize quality laboratory at its El Batán, Mexico, campus after her.
Continued Scientific Impact
The chemical and analytical screening methods designed by Villegas remain integral to CIMMYT’s work. As a consultant for agricultural programs in Africa and Asia, she guided young scientists and expanded QPM research.
Final Years and Death
Evangelina Villegas Moreno passed away on April 24, 2017, in Mexico City at age 92. Her death inspired global tributes, including the CIMMYT lab dedication and numerous remembrances highlighting her scientific contributions and humanitarian vision.
The story of Evangelina Villegas Moreno born October 24, 1924 exemplifies how a committed scientist can transform global health through innovation. From her early education in Mexico to her groundbreaking work in cereal chemistry, she pioneered Quality Protein Maize and reshaped food systems worldwide. Her legacy lives on through laboratories, scholarships, and improved nutrition for millions. As we remember her contributions, her life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that science, persistence, and compassion can have on the world.