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.

2024 Winner: John Harada

University of California, Davis

John Harada is a Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) in the Department of Plant Biology at University of California, Davis. John’s significant research contributions and scientific discoveries on plant embryogenesis laid the foundation for unraveling the genetic regulatory networks required for embryo development, and for increasing the protein and oil content of major seed crops. In addition to his science contributions, John served on editorial and advisory boards including as a co-editor for The Plant Cell. He has several notable contributions in support of inclusion, including membership and chair of the ASPB Minority Affairs Committee (now Equity Diversity, and Inclusion Committee) and as Co-Director of a University of California – Historically Black Colleges and Universities Graduate Admissions Pathway program at UC Davis. John’s list of honors includes fellow of AAAS and ASPB, an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, the highest honor in recognition of academic and scientific excellence, and a prestigious UC Davis Distinguished Award for Undergraduate Teaching.

Dawn Nagel, Chair (2023-2025)
Keiko Torii, Past Winner (2023-2024)
Jeff Bennetzen (2023-2026)
Kerrm Yau (2023-2026)
Sylvia Lee, Staff Liaison