Extraordinary Service to the Plant Breeding Community Award
Award Criteria & Evaluation Parameters
Purpose of the Award
To recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional, sustained service to the plant breeding community through leadership, mentorship, professional engagement, and contributions that advance the discipline of plant breeding.
1. Professional Engagement in Plant Breeding Organizations
Definition: Active involvement that demonstrates commitment to advancing the plant breeding profession.
- Examples of qualifying activities:
- Active membership in national or international plant breeding organizations (e.g., NAPB, CSSA, crop‑specific societies).
- Service on committees, boards, working groups, or conference organizing teams.
- Representation of plant breeders in cross‑disciplinary or policy forums.
Evaluation parameters:
- Depth of involvement (member, organizer, officer, board).
- Length of service (sustained contribution preferred).
- Impact on organizational effectiveness or community engagement.
2. Mentorship and Support of Future Plant Breeders
Definition: Meaningful, ongoing contributions to developing the next generation of plant breeders.
- Examples of qualifying activities:
- Participation in formal mentoring programs (university, NAPB mentoring programs, student competitions).
- Supervising or advising graduate or undergraduate students.
- Providing career development workshops or outreach to students or early‑career professionals.
Evaluation parameters:
- Direct mentorship impact (number of mentees, depth of support).
- Program involvement (formal mentoring roles or long‑term mentoring record).
- Evidence of influence on student success or professional growth.
3. Contributions to the Field of Plant Breeding
Definition: Professional achievements that advance scientific, applied, or community aspects of plant breeding.
- Examples of qualifying activities:
- Research contributions supporting plant breeding progress.
- Development of cultivars or breeding tools used by the community.
- Outreach, publication, or extension activities that benefit plant breeders.
Evaluation parameters:
- Significance and innovation of contributions.
- Benefit to the broader plant breeding community.
- Interdisciplinary or cross‑sector impact (public, private, international).
4. Leadership and Service to the Plant Breeding Community
Definition: Demonstrated leadership that enhances the visibility, strength, or cohesion of the plant breeding community.
- Examples of qualifying activities:
- Leading collaborative breeding initiatives or networks.
- Organizing symposia, workshops, or community‑building events.
- Serving in leadership roles within professional societies.
- Advocacy for policies supporting plant breeding.
Evaluation parameters:
- Leadership roles held (formal or informal).
- Scope and reach of leadership.
- Documented service to grow, strengthen, or represent the plant breeding community.
5. Connection to Iowa State University (Preferred but Not Required)
Definition: An ISU affiliation that strengthens the connection between the award and the university.
- Examples of qualifying activities:
- ISU degree(s).
- Teaching, mentoring, or research involvement at ISU.
- Collaboration with ISU Raymond F. Baker Center and plant breeding programs.
6. Time in the Field / Career Stage Consideration
Bonus category for recognizing candidates with long-term, sustained impact.
Notes: 20+ years in plant breeding or service to the community.
Not required for nomination, but can strengthen the case.