UC Davis Distinguished Professor Walter Leal delivering his Applied Chemical Ecology Award presentation at Cornell University. Photo courtesy of International Society of Chemical Ecology

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - UC Davis Professor Walter Leal was awarded the 2026 Applied Chemical Ecology Award from the International Society of Chemical Ecology for research targeting insect pests that damage plants, spread diseases and destroy crops.

Leal is a distinguished professor of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology in UC Davis’s College of Biological Sciences and former chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology.

He was recognized for work on insect chemical communication involving mosquitoes, navel orangeworms, Asian citrus psyllids, citrus borer moth and other pests. He delivered his award presentation at the recent International Society of Chemical Ecology conference at Cornell University.

The award recognizes career achievements by chemical ecologists for contributions in developing technologies for advancing practical applications in chemical ecology.

“Walter is, without a doubt, one of the foremost authorities on the integration of chemical ecology fundamental research (molecular, biochemical, and physiological interactions among insects and between insects and plants) and translational research culminating in numerous patents, on the identification of numerous semiochemicals,” wrote nomination team leader Professor Coby Schal, of North Carolina State University and a former International Society of Chemical Ecology president.

Chemical signaling is fundamental to all life forms, including microbes, plants and animals. Chemical cues allow animals to appraise their environment, detect food, toxins, prey, predators and pathogens, and to evaluate potential reproductive partners. Leal’s research has led to 23 patents.

A native of Brazil, Leal received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, a master's in agricultural chemistry from Mie University in Japan, and a Ph.D. in applied biochemistry from the University of Tsukuba in Japan.

He joined the UC Davis Department of Entomology in 2000, after serving as head of the Laboratory of Chemical Prospecting, National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Japan.