Carl Pray, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, retired from Rutgers on January 1, 2026.
Effective January 1, Carl Pray, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, retired from Rutgers University, concluding a remarkable 40-year career defined by scholarship, global engagement and service for the greater good.
A member of the faculty since 1986, Pray made pathbreaking contributions to agricultural science and technology policy, with research spanning Asia, Africa and Latin America. Trained as an economic historian, he earned his doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania and brought a global development lens to the study of innovation in agriculture. Over four decades, he authored more than 100 articles in leading journals, including Science, Nature, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Economic Development and Cultural Change and Research Policy, shaping international dialogue on biotechnology, productivity and food systems transformation.
Beyond his prolific research, Pray has been a global thought leader and institution builder. He served for 14 years as president of the International Consortium for Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) and continues to serve on its board. Through ICABR and numerous international collaborations, he helped build research capacity, informed policy debates and empowered scholars and policymakers across the Global South to harness science and technology in the fight against poverty and food insecurity.
His influence extends well beyond publications and policy. Generations of students and colleagues describe him as a generous mentor and steady leader whose work consistently advanced both rigorous scholarship and real-world impact.
In recognition of his extraordinary career, scholars, colleagues and friends gathered at the 2025 annual meeting of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association in Denver to establish the Dr. Carl Pray Appreciation Club. The organization will celebrate Pray’s legacy, promote continued scholarship in agricultural science and technology policy, and support the next generation of international researchers.
As one charter member reflected, “Carl has not only shaped the field, he has shaped people—his generosity, humility and quiet leadership are as impactful as his academic work.”
With his retirement, Rutgers honors a distinguished career dedicated to advancing knowledge, strengthening institutions and improving lives around the world through agricultural innovation.
