2013 Call for Nominations

The B.Y. Morrison Memorial Lecture series was established in 1968 by the Agricultural Research Service to honor the memory of Benjamin Y. Morrison and to recognize scientists who have made outstanding contributions to horticulture and other environmental sciences, to encourage the use of these sciences, and to stress the urgency of preserving and enhancing natural beauty.

Benjamin Y. Morrison (1891–1966) was a pioneer in horticulture and the first director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC. A scientist, landscape architect, plant explorer, author, and lecturer, Morrison advanced the science of botany in the United States and fostered broad international exchange of ornamental plants. Morrison was also chief editor of the American Horticultural Society's magazine from its inception in 1926 until 1963, only 3 years before his death.

2012 B.Y. Morrison Memorial Lecturer

Raymond M. Wheeler, Senior scientist and Lead for Advanced Life Support, Kennedy Space Center, NASA

Horticulture for Space: A Classic Exercise in Controlled Environment

Call for Nominations

2013 B.Y. Morrison Memorial Lecture Call for Nominations

The Agricultural Research Service, USDA's principal in-house scientific agency, is seeking nominations for the 2013 B.Y. MORRISON MEMORIAL LECTURE, which is co-sponsored by the American Society for Horticultural Science. The Lecture is to be presented at the ASHS annual meeting July 22 – 25, 2013 in Palm Desert, California.

The Lectureship is a forum for a presentation on a scientific topic, trend, issue or policy of the Lecturer's choice. An honorarium of $2,000, a medallion, and expenses to present the Lecture are provided. Also included is the opportunity to turn the presentation into a paper on the lecture topic for publication in an ASHS journal. This publication will be posted as 'Open Access' so that anyone, not just subscribers, can read it.

Established in 1968 by ARS, the Lecture honors the memory of Benjamin Y. Morrison (1891-1966) by recognizing outstanding contributions to horticulture. B.Y. Morrison was the first director of USDA's National Arboretum in Washington D.C. and a pioneer in horticulture. A scientist, plant breeder, landscape architect, plant explorer, author, and lecturer, Morrison advanced the science of botany and horticulture in the United States. His legacy to the American public includes dozens of new ornamental plants, including the Glenn Dale azaleas.

To nominate a person, send by mail the candidate's CV and a letter explaining their contributions to horticultural science to: Kim Kaplan, Lecture Coordinator, ARS Information Staff, Room 1-2253, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-5128; telephone 301-504-1637. Nominations may not be faxed or emailed.

Nomination Process

To nominate a person, please send by mail:

1. A letter explaining the nominee's contributions to horticultural science
2. Nominee's current curriculum vitae

To: Kim Kaplan, Lecture Coordinator
ARS Information Staff, Room 1-2253
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-5128
Telephone 301-504-1637

(Nominations may not be faxed or emailed - Deadline for nominations: March 1, 2013)

Nominees may be outstanding senior contributors in industry, universities, or government positions. Current ARS employees are not eligible.

Co-sponsor

The American Society for Horticultural Science co-sponsors the B.Y. Morrison Lecture. ASHS is a professional society dedicated to promoting national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.

Previous Lecturers