Recognising work that lasts.
Six standing awards, plus the biennial Founders' Medal. Nominations for the 2026 cycle close on 31 July. Past recipients are listed alongside each award.
Founders' Medal
Awarded bienniallyACA's highest honour. Recognizes a body of work that has shaped crop science in the region for a generation or more.
Early-Career Scientist Award
Members under 35 · annualRecognises outstanding research by a member within ten years of their PhD. Carries a $5,000 grant.
Best Paper Award
Per journal volume · 2× annualSelected by the editorial board from each volume's research papers. The award is announced at the annual conference.
Outstanding Service Award
Annual · multiple recipientsRecognises contributions to the association itself — editing, mentoring, organising, hosting field visits.
Field-to-Lab Translation Prize
AnnualHonours work that has measurably moved from a journal page to a working farm. Joint nomination by extension officers.
Student Presentation Prize
Annual · 3 categoriesBest oral, best poster, best lightning talk. Determined by attendee vote at the annual conference.
Dr. Sok Sophal
Battambang Rice Research Station · Cambodia. For three decades restoring flood-recession landraces along the Tonle Sap and his stewardship of the seed bank as Director 1996 — 2021.