St. Paul, Minn. (April 6, 2009)—Applications for the 2009 Plant Pathology Journalism Award are now being accepted through May 15, 2009, for work published or aired in 2008.
The plant pathology award, sponsored by The American Phytopathological Society (APS), recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of plant pathology. Plant pathology is concerned with the improvement of plant health through the identification, prevention, and management of plant diseases.
Southern Farmer Magazine Editor Pam Golden, the 2008 Plant Pathology Journalism Award winner, noted that for her, the award was a special honor “because it’s given by experts in the field.” In 2007, Susan Milius, Science News writer, won for her article “They’re All Part Fungus,” and in 2006, Pam Henderson, with Farm Journal Media, won for her nine-part series: “Asian Soybean Rust Takes Root in the U.S.”
“For my work to be honored by extension pathologists across the country honors my teachers and is affirmation that I’ve done well in sharing that knowledge with the people who most need it, the growers we serve,” remarked last year’s winner, Golden, upon receiving the award for her series of articles on Asian soybean rust.
The award consists of a $1,000 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and travel expenses to attend the APS Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, for presentation of the award.
Eligibility is limited to science writers and journalists of information concerning the science and/or history of plant pathology or issues related to plant health appearing in mass media, including print (newspapers and periodicals only) and broadcast media readily available to the general public. Books, websites, and institutionally sponsored publications are not eligible. Individual items and series are both eligible.
To apply, submit the following: a letter explaining how the work submitted contributes to public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the science of plant pathology; a statement of when and where the work appeared, including circulation/audience estimates; and four copies, either published or recorded, of the submitted work.
Submissions should be sent to: Plant Pathology Journalism Award, The American Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul MN 55121.
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific organization. The research of the organization’s worldwide members advances the understanding of the science of plant pathology and its application to plant health.
