Lawrence Bogorad Award for Excellence in Plant Biology Research

2026 Winner: Bonnie Bartel

Rice University, Houston, Texas

Bonnie Bartel is renowned for fundamental discoveries in peroxisome biology, function and biogenesis. Her group pioneered the use of arabidopsis genetics to investigate peroxisomal processes, leveraging the plant’s unusually large peroxisomes and rescue of peroxisomal mutants on sucrose. Through creative genetic screens combined with sophisticated imaging, her research elucidated mechanisms for organelle generation, maintenance, and destruction. Her group’s discoveries include defining the roles of peroxisomes in physiology, the identification of novel ER domains called “nests”, the characterization of dynamic intralumenal peroxisomal vesicles and the role of peroxisomes in auxin metabolism. Bonnie’s work extends beyond plant biology, with significant implications for biomedicine. She has been an exceptional mentor and educator, bringing plant biology to diverse students and a leader in increasing diversity and inclusion in science. Bartel is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and received the American Society of Plant Biologists Excellence in Education Award.