Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award
This monetary award honors the Gude Family, who made possible the establishment of the Gude Plant Science Center. The award, established by the Society and first given in 1983, is made triennially to a scientist or lay person in recognition of outstanding service to the science of plant biology. Membership in the Society is not a requirement for the award.
2025 Winner: Brian A. Larkins
Brian A. Larkins is the 2025 recipient of the Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award in recognition of his longstanding service to plant biology world-wide, his ground-breaking work in seed biology and his outstanding leadership. As a faculty member at Purdue University, then at the University of Arizona, he led a research program to improve the nutritional quality of maize seed as well as to understand the regulation of the synthesis of zeins, their major storage proteins. As an administrator, he led initiatives at the University of Arizona and at the University of Nebraska that, respectively, developed the plant biology and computational biology programs at these institutions. Brian led the International Society of Plant Molecular Biologists; he served as the second Editor-in-Chief of The Plant Cell; and as president of ASPB. More recently, Brian worked tirelessly to ensure ASPB’s future through two innovative fund-raising campaigns – the Legacy Society and the Pioneer Program. He was a role model for his students, postdocs and colleagues that have benefited from his intellect, dedication, mentoring, and good humor. Through his philanthropic efforts and the success of his past lab members as they progress in their careers, Brian’s legacy lives on.
Committee
Maarten Chrispeels, Chair (2021-2031)
Tessa Burch Smith (2024-2031)
Laura Wayne (2024-2031)
Joseph Hirschberg (2018-2025)
Sharlene Weatherwax (2018-2025)
Sylvia Lee, Staff Liaison