The Frank N. Meyer Medal for Plant Genetic Resources is for distinctive service to the National Plant Germplasm System. The award is made as a tribute to Frank N. Meyer who served for 13 years as Agricultural Explorer of the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction and lost his life in the waters of the Yangtze River. This award is presented in recognition of his contributions to the plant germplasm collection and use in the U.S. and his dedication and service to humanity through collecting, evaluating, or conserving earth’s genetic resources. The award will be to a person who has had an outstanding record of service over a long period of time. The receipient will give a presentation at the Frank N. Meyer Medal for Plant Genetic Resources Breakfast. The award consists of a certificate, an engraved bronze medal, a complimentary ticket to the Meyer Medal breakfast and CSSA award ceremony, and $2,000.

At the time when the lecturer has been selected and is contacted by the Chair of the Selection Committee, they are offered the opportunity to submit a manuscript based on this lecture for publication in Crop Science as the Lectureship-Paper if accepted after review. The manuscript should be submitted within 12 months after the Annual Meeting was held during which the lecture was presented. Publication fees for the Lectureship-Paper are waived.

Nominees will have a career interest of at least 10 years in one or more of the following aspects of plant genetic resource programs:

1. Exploration for plant genetic resources
2. Evaluation of plant genetic resources
3. Research on preservation of plant genetic resources
4. Maintenance of plant genetic resources
5. Outstanding administrative foresight and support of national or international plant genetic resource programs