ARS Memorial Lectures
"I am proud to present the ARS Memorial Lecture Honors to the women and men who have presented positive change for U.S. agriculture and greatly impacted citizens all over the world."
Dr. Simon Liu
ARS Administrator
The nomination period for ARS Memorial Lectures is currently open and will close on December 31, 2024. Nominees may be outstanding senior contributors in industry, universities, or government positions. Current ARS employees are not eligible but can nominate and vote for a nominee. Winners will receive a $5,000 honorarium, an engraved plaque and medal, become part of a prestigious cohort of ARS Memorial lecturers, and be showcased on the ARS website and social media platforms. Each year ARS Memorial Lectures honor the memory of Sterling B. Hendricks, Benjamin Y. Morrison, and Wilbur O. Atwater by recognizing scientists who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture. The lecture is a forum for awardees to present on a scientific topic, trend, issue, or policy that has significantly impacted agriculture. Selected nominees are outstanding senior contributors from industry, university, or government sectors. The W.O. Atwater Lecture was established in 1968 to honor the memory of Wilbur Olin Atwater (1844-1907) and to recognize scientists who have made unique contributions toward improving the diet and nutrition of people around the world. Atwater, considered the father of modern nutrition research and education, was the U.S. Department of Agriculture's first chief of nutrition investigations. The W.O. Atwater Lecture is a forum for a presentation on a scientific topic, trend, issue, or policy of the lecturer's choice. The awardee will receive a $5,000 honorarium, an engraved plaque and medal. They also, become part of a prestigious cohort of ARS Memorial lecturers, and are featured on the ARS website and social media platforms. The Sterling B. Hendricks Lecture was established in 1981 by ARS to honor the memory of Sterling B. Hendricks (1902-1981) and to recognize scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the chemical science of agriculture. The Sterling B. Hendricks Lecture is a forum for a presentation on a scientific topic, trend, issue, or policy issue related to the chemical science of agriculture. The awardee will receive a $5,000 honorarium, an engraved plaque and medal. They also, become part of a prestigious cohort of ARS Memorial lecturers, and are featured on the ARS website and social media platforms. The B.Y. Morrison Lecture was established in 1968 by the Agricultural Research Service to honor the memory of Benjamin Y. Morrison (1891-1966) and to recognize scientists who have made outstanding contributions to ornamental horticulture and other environmental sciences, to encourage the wide application of these sciences, and to stress the urgency of preserving and enhancing natural beauty. B.Y. Morrison was the first director of USDA's National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. 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. The B.Y. Morrison Lecture is a forum for a presentation on a scientific topic, trend, issue, or policy of the lecturer's choice. The awardee will receive a $5,000 honorarium, an engraved plaque and medal. They also, become part of a prestigious cohort of ARS Memorial lecturers, and are featured on the ARS website and social media platforms.Call for Nominations
To nominate someone for a 2025 ARS Memorial Lecture award:
About the ARS Memorial Lectures
Wilbur Olin Atwater (1844-1907)
Sterling B. Hendricks (1902-1981)
Benjamin Y. Morrison (1891-1966)
2024 ARS Memorial Lecturers
