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Peter Raven
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USDA Beltsville Area Distinquished Lecture Series

"Biodiversity and the Human Prospect"

Portrait of Peter Raven

 

Dr. Peter Raven

Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri

Building 003 Auditorium
October 28, 2002
10:00 AM



Peter H. Raven, Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, is one of the world's leading botanists and advocates of conservation and biodiversity. Described by TIME magazine as a "Hero for the Planet," Dr. Raven champions research around the world to preserve endangered plants and is a leading advocate for conservation and a sustainable environment. In recognition of his work in science and conservation, Dr. Raven is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious International Prize for Biology from the government of Japan, the Environmental Prize of the Institute de la Vie, the Volvo Environment Prize, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and the Sasakawa Environment Prize.

Dr. Raven is chairman of the Board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration, and Division of Earth and Life Studies of the National Research Council, which includes biology, chemistry, and geology.

For three decades, Dr. Raven has headed the Missouri Botanical Garden, an institution he nurtured to a world-class center for botanical research, education, and horticulture display. Under Dr. Raven's leadership, the Missouri Botanical Garden has become a leader in botanical research in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, with strong programs in North America as well. The Garden's education program in the St. Louis region reaches more than 100,000 students each year and provides professional development for teachers. The splendid horticultural displays attract more than 750,000 visitors to the Garden annually. He is also the Engelmann Professor of Botany at Washington University in St. Louis.

He was a member of the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology during the Clinton Administration. In 2001, he received the National Medal of Science from the President which is the highest award for scientific accomplishment in this country.