Stephen Hales Prize

This award honors the Reverend Stephen Hales for his pioneering work in plant biology published in his 1727 book Vegetable Staticks. It is a monetary award established in 1927 for a scientist, an ASPB member, who has served the science of plant biology in some noteworthy manner. The award is made annually. The recipient of the award is invited to address the Society on a subject in plant biology at the next annual meeting.

2026 Winner: Richard Dixon

University of North Texas, Denton

Richard A. Dixon is Distinguished Research Professor (Emeritus) in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri at Columbia and Oklahoma State University at Stillwater. Rick is a leader in the field of metabolic engineering of plant natural product pathways and their implications for agriculture and human health. Key aspects of his research include the engineering of lignocellulosic biomass for the improvement of forages and bioenergy feedstocks, as well as the delivery of health-promoting phytochemicals. During his tenure as Director of the Plant Biology Division at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, he promoted the development of Medicago truncatula as a model legume. The high-quality whole-genome sequencing project contributed to the expansion of community-wide resources in legumes. In addition, Rick’s work resulted in the commercialization of the first transgenic forage quality trait.

HarvExtraTM alfalfa with reduced lignin levels, improved digestibility, and a flexible harvest window. Altogether, Rick’s impactful scientific contributions earned him frequent recognition as one of the most highly cited researchers in the Plant and Animal Sciences.

Rick has an excellent record in leadership, service to the community, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Some of these contributions include serving as past President of the American Society of Plant Biologists and several ASPB committees, extensive service on Editorial and national and international Advisory boards.

He has earned several notable recognitions. Rick is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the Royal Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Inventors, the American Society of Plant Biologists, and ASPB Pioneer by the American Society of Plant Physiologists, among other achievements.

In summary, Rick’s numerous research discoveries, contributions to the plant biology community, service, and mentorship are highly deserving of recognition and the Stephen Hales Prize.

Dawn Nagel, Chair (2023-2026)
Gary Stacey, Past Winner (2025-2026)
Jeff Bennetzen (2023-2026)
Kerrm Yau (2023-2026)
Sylvia Lee, Staff Liaison