IRRI researcher pens children’s book about his journey to becoming a plant scientist 

By Glenn Concepcion 

“Science begins with curiosity — a seed that grows when we start asking why.”– Tiozon, 2025

You can often find Dr. Rhowell Tiozon, Jr., a young molecular biologist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), hard at work studying the intricate biochemistry of plants, and observing how different rice molecules interact with the human body. Recently, he was able to put away his lab coat and don his literary hat as a published kid’s book author.

Told from the perspective of a fictional character, Isaac’s Journey: The Curious Plant Scientist, is a wonderfully illustrated children’s book that chronicles Tiozon’s own inspiring path, from a plant-fascinated youngster in the Philippines into a distinguished researcher who’s curiosity contributes to shaping global agriculture around the world.

The book, written in both Deutsch and English, was published in August 2025 by Misti Verlag. It was launched and featured at the prestigious Frankfurt Book Fair in October, and is currently available in libraries across Germany. Copies will soon be available in Philippine libraries, too.

“I want kids to know that science isn’t just labs and textbooks. It starts with simple curiosity–like wondering how a tiny seed grows into food that feeds billions,” Tiozon explains. “That early passion is what Isaac’s Journey is all about.”