The National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) has announced its awardees for outstanding accomplishments in five categories: Early Career Scientist, Lifetime Achievement, Public Sector Impact, Private Sector Impact, and Ann Marie Thro Friends of Plant Breeding.
The 2024 NAPB awardees exemplify the very best in plant breeding research, education, outreach, and leadership. They model persistent dedication and a passionate devotion to applying their plant breeding skills and technical excellence to promote food security, quality of life, and economic resiliency for a sustainable future. They are committed to supporting the next generation of the plant breeding discipline. These outstanding professionals inspire plant breeders and scientists everywhere. The awardees are as follows:
- Early Career Scientist Award: Dr. Jacqueline Benson McRoberts, Bayer Crop Science
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Rex Bernardo, University of Minnesota
- Public Sector Impact Award: Dr. Michael Gore, Cornell University
- Private Sector Impact Award: Dr. Michael Hall, Bayer Crop Science
- Ann Marie Thro Friends of Plant Breeding Award: Dr. Rita Mumm, University of Illinois
Awards were announced at the NAPB annual conference, co-hosted by Bayer Crop Science and the University of Illinois in St. Louis, MO, from 21-25 July 2024. The meeting attracted around 400 participants, including 140 students, and featured technical and scientific presentations, interactive workshops, and a field trip to the University of Illinois.
It also included a meeting of the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee (PBCC). All five NAPB awardees are invited present at the next annual meeting, hosted by the University of Hawaii, 18-22 May 2025.
Read our recent coverage from the event and stay tuned for interviews and podcast episodes!
