RodrigoMendes
Scientist · Author · Speaker
I write and speak about the invisible connections that sustain life, bringing together science, nature and human experience.
- ScienceMicrobiome & Agriculture
- LiteratureDepois do Cume
- Stage15+ countries
At the intersection of science and human experience
Career · Education · Recognition
Rodrigo Mendes, Ph.D. is a research scientist at Embrapa, professor at the University of São Paulo and an international speaker. His landmark study, published in Science, showed how the plant microbiome can naturally protect crops against disease — a cornerstone for more sustainable agriculture.
He is also the author of Depois do Cume (After the Summit), a memoir born from an extreme experience on Mount Whitney that invites readers to reflect on nature, purpose and human transformation.
Decoding the plant microbiome
Embrapa · University of São Paulo · International Research Network
His research investigates the Cry for Help hypothesis, which proposes that plants recruit beneficial soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere when facing stresses such as pathogens, drought or nutrient deficiency. By decoding this invisible dialogue between plants and microbes, his work supports the development of more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
Research Interests
- — Plant Microbiome
- — Soil Microbiology
- — Rhizosphere Ecology
- — Sustainable Agriculture
- — One Health
do CumeMemoir
Depois do Cume
After the Summit
Memoir · Mount Whitney · Rua do Sabão Publishing
Depois do Cume was born at the meeting point of nature, science and human experience — a reflection on the limits that transform us and on what we discover when we move beyond them.
In Depois do Cume, Rodrigo makes his literary debut, recounting a survival experience after reaching the summit of the highest mountain in the contiguous United States.
The narrative weaves physical endurance with inner reflection, turning a personal episode into a universal story about fragility, presence and return.
Publication in 2027 by Editora Rua do Sabão
“Every step along the trail became an effort to warm the body, met by the cold embrace of the mountain air in a visceral contrast — a pulsing reminder of life.”
Talks delivered in more than 15 countries
Scientific · Inspirational · Tailored
Rodrigo has spoken in more than 15 countries, addressing academic, corporate and public audiences.
His scientific talks range from frontier research on microbiome–soil–plant interactions to broader questions of agriculture, climate change and One Health.
Drawing on the narrative of Depois do Cume, he also delivers inspirational keynotes exploring human connection, emotion and the sense of purpose that gives life meaning.
Through reflections on resilience, choices and transformation, he invites audiences to revisit their own summits and to recognise that the greatest achievements are those that deepen our understanding of who we are and of the legacy we wish to build.
Every talk is tailored to the goals and audience of each event, creating a distinctive and meaningful experience.
Scientific Talks
- 01The Plant Microbiome and Sustainability
- 02Biologicals and the Future of Agriculture
- 03Regenerative Agriculture
- 04One Health: connecting human, animal and environmental health
Inspirational Talks
- 01After the Summit: a journey of challenge, choice and transformation
- 02Resilience and Purpose: turning challenges into opportunities
- 03The Science of Life: knowledge, curiosity and fulfilment
Audiences
- Corporations
- Universities
- Agribusiness
- Scientific Conferences
- Leadership Teams
International recognition
- Elsevier–Stanford RankingTop 2%Among the world's most influential scientists in his field
- ResearchEmbrapaResearch scientist at Embrapa Environment
- FacultyUSPGraduate faculty at the University of São Paulo
- Global impactSoil StarsMember of the international soil health network
- Stages15+ countriesTalks for academic, corporate and institutional audiences
- UniversitiesWageningen (NL) · Berkeley (USA) · Cambridge (UK) · Lausanne (CH)Visiting professor and long-standing international collaborations
Research published in the field's leading journals
View publications↗Scientific committees
Promise program (Gates Foundation)
Editorial board
ISME Communication (Nature)
Frontiers in Soil Science
Email · Profiles · Form
rrmendess@gmail.com↗Send a message about speaking invitations, collaborations or questions on science, literature and talks.