Dr. William (Bill) Kuhn, recently retired Maize Product Development research director at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, has received the honor of Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA). It is the highest honor the Society bestows on its members.

Up to 0.3 percent of CSSA’s membership base of 4,500 may be elected to Fellow each year, placing Kuhn among an elite group of 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.

Kuhn said it’s an honor to be recognized and singled out as a CSSA Fellow because of the stringent criteria for selection. “I am humbled by the recognition, and I will strive to live up to the expectations of Fellow within the Society,” he said. “I plan to stay active in the Society, despite my recent retirement.”

Recently retired from Pioneer after a distinguished career spanning 32 years, Kuhn led the development of numerous scientific programs and initiatives during his tenure. His career focused on maize product development research, where he was initially a corn breeder and then administrator focused on supporting the development of superior maize hybrids for growers in North America and Europe.

Kuhn has also been active outside of Pioneer. He has served in numerous leadership roles with the American Seed Trade Association and was active in the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders, as well as serving on three USDA-ARS project review teams. Kuhn has also made many significant contributions in the area of public service. He played a leadership role in the development and completion of the Latin American Maize Project, resulting in the successful preservation and use of important maize germplasm.

Steven L. Fales, president of CSSA, and professor of agronomy at Iowa State University, said the Society looks for well-rounded, experienced candidates when appointing Fellows.

“CSSA selects individuals who are committed to, and have excelled in, investigative competency, education and service,” Fales said. “Bill Kuhn has clearly demonstrated excellence in each of these areas, particularly in his ability to forge partnerships among university researchers, university Extension staff and industry through his U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service involvement.”

CSSA will recognize the newly named Fellows at the CSSA Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Nov. 12-16, 2006, in Indianapolis.

CSSA has been selecting outstanding members to the position of Fellow since 1985. Colleagues within the Societies nominate worthy members, after which they are carefully ranked before final selection is made by the CSSA Executive Committee. The Society chose 10 individuals, based on their professional achievements and meritorious service, to receive this honor in 2006.

ASA (www.agronomy.org), CSSA (www.crops.org) and SSSA (www.soils.org) are educational organizations helping their 11,000-plus 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-based products and services 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 and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.