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 2026, ASPB recognizes Robert (Rob) Last as the 2025 recipient of the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award.
2026 Winner: Rob Last
Michigan State University, East Lansing
Robert (Rob) Last is a leading figure in plant biology, celebrated for his innovative research on plant metabolism and stress responses. His groundbreaking studies, utilizing innovative genetic techniques, have elucidated critical metabolic pathways, including vitamin C and vitamin E biosynthesis, UV-B radiation responses, and the evolution of specialized plant metabolism. Rob founded a Plant Genomics Summer REU Program and an NIH-funded T32 Plant Biotechnology for Health and Sustainability program, significantly impacting the training of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate researchers. As a leader in ASPB, he has championed inclusivity and support for early-career scientists. Rob’s contributions have profoundly shaped research and education in the field of plant science.
Karen Koch, Chair (2024-2027)
Sarah Assmann, Past Winner (2025-2026)
Mary Lou Guerinot, Past Winner (2025-2026)
Surinder Chopra (2024-2027)
Magdalena Julkowska (2023-2026)
Sylvia Lee, Staff Liaison