University of Wisconsin-Madison biochemist Richard Amasino has been elected by his peers to lead the American Society of Plant Biologists. Amasino became president-elect of ASPB Oct. 1, 2005. ASPB is a non-profit science society of nearly 6,000 members from the United States and nearly 60 other nations.

“Obviously, I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to serve as president-elect of the society,” Amasino said. “ASPB is one of the most active scientific societies with two top journals in our field, active involvement in education, and other activities. I look forward to helping the society continue to play an important role in science in general and plant biology in particular.”

Amasino has received a number of awards including the 2005 Hilldale Award in Biological Sciences, 1999 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Award, 1998 Wisconsin Distinguished Professorship, and 1989 Presidential Young Investigator Award.

His professional service includes serving on the: editorial board of Plant Physiology since 1997; editorial board of Science since 2004; advisory board of The Plant Journal since 2001; editorial board of Plant, Cell and Environment since 1999; board of directors, International Society for Plant Molecular Biology from 1997-2000, and the North American Arabidopsis steering committee from 1996-1999.

Amasino”s term as president-elect is for one year. After that he will become president of ASPB for one year.

ASPB publishes two of the most frequently cited plant science journals: The Plant Cell and Plant Physiology. ASPB”s membership spans the United States and nearly 60 other nations. The society, founded in 1924, is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.