Pioneer Researchers Selected as Fellows by Industry Organization

Award recognizes researchers for teaching, service and leadership achievements

DES MOINES, IA, Nov. 3, 2005 - Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) named two researchers at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, as Fellows. Dr. Paul Carter, Global Agronomy Sciences director, and Dr. Stephen Smith, Research Fellow in Germplasm Security, have been given the highest honor the society bestows on its members.

Only 0.3 percent of CSSA membership can be nominated for fellowship each year, placing Carter and Smith among an elite group of agronomist and agricultural researchers around the world. Fellows are selected through an intense nomination and review process that analyzes nominees' achievements in education, research, service and leadership.

Carter said many people he has admired in the field of crop research have been recognized as fellows, and it means a lot to him to be associated with those individuals. He also credits members of his team at Pioneer for helping him achieve the honor. "Pioneer has an excellent team, and I like to think of this as recognition of a group of people. An honor like this means an individual has had great people to work with," Carter said.

Smith added, "I appreciate the encouragement Pioneer has given me along my career to contribute scientific knowledge to the public and develop collaborations that will benefit not only our customers, but all of mankind. This award is recognition of the 'long-look' culture at Pioneer."

Carter has devoted 23 years to developing and transferring knowledge about crop management practices to field agronomist and producers. He served as an extension field agronomist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 10 years and joined Pioneer in 1993. As Global Agronomy Services coordinator, Carter and his team of crop specialists and field agronomists create, access, package and disseminate useful knowledge that improves agricultural management systems, which helps Pioneer customers increase their profitability.

Smith joined Pioneer in 1980 as a post-doctoral research fellow soon after completing the first peer-reviewed research applying molecular methods to the evolution of maize. His work accelerated efforts to conserve teosinte, the historical ancestor of modern corn. An expert in germplasm security, he has employed molecular tools to describe and authenticate varieties, characterize genetic diversity and determine plant pedigrees. In addition, Stephen's published research has provided justification to strengthen and broaden the genetic base of U.S. corn.

James Coors, president of CSSA and professor of agronomy at the University of Wisconsin, said the society looks for well-rounded and experienced candidates when appointing fellows.

"CSSA selects individuals who are committed to, and have excelled in, investigative competency, education and service," Coors said. "Paul and Steve clearly demonstrate excellence in each of these areas, particularly in their ability to forge partnerships between university researchers, university extension staff and industry."

The CSSA will recognize the newly named fellows at their 2005 International Annual Meeting planned for Nov. 6-10 in Salt Lake City.

CSSA has been selecting outstanding members to the position of Fellow since 1985. Colleagues within the Societies nominate worthy members, and the Committee on the Nomination of Fellows carefully rank the nominees with final election made by the Executive Committee. CSSA has chosen 10 individuals, based on professional achievements and meritorious service, to receive this honor in 2005.

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are educational organizations helping their 11,000+ members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop and soil sciences by supporting professional growth and science policy initiatives, and by providing quality, research-based publications and a variety of member services.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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