Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award
This is the oldest award, established in 1925 at the first annual meeting of the Society through the generosity of Dr. Charles A. Shull. It honors Dr. Charles Reid Barnes, the first professor of plant physiology at the University of Chicago. It is an annual award for meritorious work in plant biology; it provides a life membership in the Society to an individual who is at least sixty years old. Membership is a requirement for the award, and, if appropriate, every fifth award should be made to an outstanding plant biologist from outside the United States. In 2023, ASPB recognized two individuals as recipients of the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award, John Browse and Natasha Raikhel.
2024 Winner: Julia Bailey-Serres
University of California, Riverside
Julia Bailey-Serres is internationally recognized as one of the most outstanding researchers and educators in plant biology and agriculture today. She is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, and she has been in the top 1% of most cited researchers in agriculture globally for the past seven years. Julia’s career is marked by pioneering studies on plant responses to stresses, including the elucidation of key genes enhancing rice’s resilience to flooding. Julia’s contributions extend to leadership roles in scientific organizations, editorial positions, and advisory roles for institutions worldwide. She is dedicated to mentoring students, and she has established interdisciplinary training programs to foster future plant scientists. Her commitment to advancing the field through research, mentorship, and collaboration underscores her profound impact on plant biology.
2024 Winner: Tuan-hua David Ho
Academia Sinica, Taipei
National Chung Hsing University, Taichung
National Taiwan University, Taipei
Tuan-hua David Ho is a world leader in plant molecular biology who has made seminal contributions to our understanding of hormone signaling, plant development, responses to environmental stresses, and biofuel production. Tuan-hua David’s long career of pioneering research has advanced plant biology while providing unparalleled mentoring and inspiration to generations of young scientists in the US and Taiwan, including two PhD students who later became ASPB presidents. Tuan-hua David has been a passionate advocate of ASPB and the plant biology community. As a former ASPB President, chair of numerous ASPB committees, and an editorial board member for scientific journals, Tuan-hua David has actively advanced the society’s mission, demonstrating unwavering commitment to its growth and influence.
Hailing Jin , Chair (2021-2024)
John Browse, Past Winner (2023-2024)
Natasha Raikhel, Past Winner (2023-2024)
Karen Koch (2023-2025)
Magdalena Julkowska (2023-2026)
Sylvia Lee, Staff Liaison