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Prestigious Ulysses S. Seal Award recognizes groundbreaking work in plant cryopreservation and global leadership in saving “exceptional plants.”

The Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) honored Dr. Valerie Pence, Director of Plant Research at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), with the Ulysses S. Seal Award for Innovation in Conservation on Sunday, October 26, at its annual meeting in Cali, Colombia.  This award, one of the highest distinctions in the international conservation community, celebrates individuals whose visionary application of science has transformed species conservation. Notable past recipients include Laurie Marker, William Conway, and Susie Ellis. Dr. Pence is the first to receive this award for plant-focused conservation work.

In her remarks, delivered from Cincinnati, Dr. Pence shared her gratitude and reflected on the award’s meaning:

“It is truly an honor to receive the Ulysses S. Seal Award, and particularly special as the first time it has been given for work in plant conservation. This recognition reflects not just my work, but the dedication of so many colleagues at CREW and around the world working to conserve all plant species, even the most difficult. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Seal, I know he was deeply respected for his creativity and leadership in conservation. To receive an award that bears his name is a profound honor.”

A plant biologist and global leader in plant cryopreservation and propagation, Dr. Valerie Pence has directed CREW’s Plant Research Division since 1988. Under her leadership, CREW’s “Frozen Garden” has become one of the world’s most respected and diverse cryobanks for endangered plants, preserving the genetic material of rare and imperiled species for future restoration.

Dr. Pence coined the term “exceptional plants” to describe species that cannot be conserved through traditional seed banking—a group once overlooked in global plant preservation efforts.

A project led by Dr Pence was one of the largest and most diverse demonstrations of healthy plants growing from wild plant material thawed after 20 years in liquid nitrogen, reinforcing cryopreservation as a viable method for ex situ conservation of exceptional plants, and leading to a growing number of botanical gardens including cryopreservation as part of their conservation missions and influencing the IUCN’s plant conservation frameworks.

In presenting the award, CPSG recognized Dr. Pence’s extraordinary impact on biodiversity conservation, stating:

“Dr. Pence’s work for plant conservation over decades is truly impressive, focusing on cells, seeds, cryopreservation, ex situ conservation, and out-planting in the wild. She has advanced all three layers of biodiversity conservation—genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitats—reflecting the spirit of the One Plan Approach. Her work for ‘exceptional plants’ has been both innovative and crucial in helping to prevent extinctions.”

Dr. Pence has also been a mentor and inspiration to the next generation of conservation scientists, cultivating an international network of researchers who continue to expand the field of plant cryobiotechnology.

“We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition as a testament to Dr. Pence’s decades of work to advance global plant conservation,” said Dr. Terri Roth, Director of CREW. “Her contributions have forever changed how the world approaches plant conservation and have given hope to species once thought impossible to save. She has inspired a generation of scientists to think differently about what’s possible for the planet’s plant diversity.”

Read more about CREW’s recent plant conservations success and learn how you can support future work.

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The Ulysses S. Seal Award for Innovation in Conservation was established in 2003 by the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) to honor its founding chairman, Dr. Ulysses S. Seal. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify innovation in applying science to species conservation and whose work has significantly advanced the mission of saving wildlife from extinction.

About CREW – The Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a global leader in wildlife conservation.  Established in 1991 as the first facility of its kind focused on both plant and animal conservation research, CREW is dedicated to “Saving Species with Science”.  World renowned for its accomplishments with its four Signature Projects – endangered rhinoceroses, imperiled cats, exceptional plants and threatened polar bears – CREW also provides professional training to the world’s next generation of conservation scientists.  CREW’s multi-institutional collaborations and multi-disciplined approaches have a track record of success in expanding our understanding of species biology, improving health and longevity, enhancing propagation and genetic management, and ensuring a future for wildlife.   

The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places. It was voted the #1 Best Zoo and the #1 Best Botanical Garden in USA TODAY reader polls and has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, Newsweek, and TripAdvisor.  Over 1.8 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, 400 animal and 3000 plant species annually. The Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of  Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) since 1978, is internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants and engages in research and conservation projects worldwide. Cincinnati Zoo is committed to greening its daily operations using solar energy, rainwater capture and reuse systems, sustainable building practices, and more!   The Cincinnati Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.