Key Takeaways
- Pivot Bio has expanded its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) with the appointment of three leading experts in crop science and sustainability: Dr. Fred Below, Dr. Bruno Basso, and Dr. Chuck Rice.
- The new advisors bring expertise in crop physiology, digital agriculture, and soil microbiology, reinforcing Pivot Bio’s commitment to advancing nitrogen efficiency and climate-smart farming solutions.
- Dr. Fred Below is known for his yield optimization frameworks in corn and soybeans; Dr. Bruno Basso contributes expertise in remote sensing and modeling; Dr. Chuck Rice, a UN IPCC contributor, adds deep knowledge in soil health and GHG emissions.
- The company honored the retirement of Dr. Chris van Kessel, a foundational SAB member and nitrogen fixation pioneer, whose legacy continues through global soil fertility research.
- Pivot Bio’s SAB now includes over a dozen global experts, covering synthetic biology, gene networks, policy, and plant-microbe interactions—supporting its mission to deliver next-generation nitrogen solutions.
Pivot Bio Expands Scientific Advisory Board with Global Leaders in Crop Science and Sustainability
Pivot Bio, a leading agtech company revolutionizing sustainable crop nutrition, today announced the expansion of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) with the appointment of three internationally recognized experts: Dr. Fred Below, Dr. Bruno Basso, and Dr. Chuck Rice. These additions reflect the company’s continued investment in advancing its scientific platform and global innovation agenda.
“Solving agriculture’s biggest challenges requires trusted partners and bold scientific leadership,” said Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio. “Our new SAB members bring unmatched expertise that will guide our mission to deliver the next generation of nitrogen solutions for farmers around the world.”
Newly Appointed Scientific Advisors
- Fred Below, Ph.D. – University of Illinois
An influential crop physiologist, Dr. Below developed foundational yield optimization frameworks like the “Six Secrets of Soybean Success” and “Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World”. His insights will support Pivot Bio’s efforts to improve agronomic performance and scale adoption globally. - Bruno Basso, Ph.D. – Michigan State University
A digital agriculture pioneer, Dr. Basso specializes in environmental modeling and sustainability metrics. His leadership in digital decision tools and remote sensing will strengthen Pivot Bio’s modeling and validation capabilities. - Chuck Rice, Ph.D. – Kansas State University
A world-renowned soil microbiologist and climate expert, Dr. Rice’s work in GHG emissions, carbon cycling, and microbial ecology has shaped global soil health standards. He shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for contributions to the UN IPCC.
Honoring Legacy Leadership
Pivot Bio also recognized the retirement of longtime SAB member Dr. Chris van Kessel, a nitrogen fixation pioneer and founding chair of UC Davis’s Department of Plant Sciences. His research on soil fertility and nitrogen use efficiency has influenced decades of agricultural advancement.
“Chris has been a guiding light in our journey from startup to global platform,” said Karsten Temme, Pivot Bio founder and Chief Innovation Officer. “We are grateful for his legacy and inspired by his continued passion—even in retirement, as he bikes 10,000 km to raise funds for childhood cancer research.”
Pivot Bio’s Current Scientific Advisory Board Highlights
Pivot Bio’s SAB now includes more than a dozen global experts spanning synthetic biology, plant systems biology, environmental policy, and microbial engineering, including:
- Dr. Christopher Voigt (MIT) – Synthetic biology pioneer and Pivot Bio co-founder
- Dr. Gloria Coruzzi (NYU) – Expert in nitrogen-responsive gene networks
- Dr. Jean-Michel Ané (University of Wisconsin-Madison) – Plant-microbe interaction leader
- Dr. Ray Dixon (John Innes Centre) – Engineered the first nitrogen-fixing bacteria
- Dr. David Kanter (NYU) – Policy expert on global nitrogen management
- Dr. Luis Rubio (CSIC/UPM) – Leads nitrogen-fixing cereal crop development
- Dr. Gary Stacey (University of Missouri) – Pioneer in rhizobial signaling in non-legumes
- Dr. Eric Triplett (University of Florida) – Microbiome and nitrogen fixation expert
- Dr. Richard Ferrieri (University of Missouri) – Developed real-time imaging for plant nutrient flow
Pivot Bio
The company develops patented crop nutrition technologies aimed at improving nitrogen delivery for farmers. The company focuses on providing alternatives to synthetic fertilizers by enabling crops to access nitrogen through naturally occurring biological processes.
Recognized as a prominent player in agricultural technology, the company delivers solutions designed to improve productivity, reduce emissions, and enhance soil health across various crop systems.
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