Varro E. Tyler Prize
Varro E. Tyler
"Tip" Tyler was one of those unique individuals who cast a long shadow in life having had a profound impact on pharmacy education, natural product science, and the use of herbal medicine by the American public as well as the worldwide community. He was a renowned educator serving Purdue as Dean of Pharmacy for twenty years before his selection as executive VP for academic affairs. While a professor at the Univ. Washington, he conducted research on the chemistry of toxic mushrooms and other fungi. He was the senior author of the most widely used text in pharmacognosy in the US (Pharmacognosy, co-authored with Lynn Brady and Jim Robbers). Incidentally, he also published on the subject of stamp forgeries. The ASP owes Tip a tremendous debt. He served as its first president, guiding the organization through the critical first two years of its existence, and he was the principal force in the negotiations to obtain Lloydia (J. Nat. Prod.). In addition, he played a major role in forging the friendly ties with the Gesellschaft für Arzneipflanzenforschung (GA), 87 which has resulted in our joint international meetings (later expanded to include Association Francaise pour L’Enseignement et la Recherche en Pharmacognosie and the Phytochemical Society of Europe) every five years, starting with Vienna in 1970. He was elected to the GA Board of Directors and was an honorary member. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge, and he was a master of communication. After he retired in 1991, he devoted his efforts to the area of herbal medicine, writing four books as well as numerous articles in the scientific and lay press. He received many honors and accolades, but he often stated that even though these meant a lot to him, what he cherished most was the many friendships he established during his life's work. (Adapted from a memorial written by James E. Robbers; ASP website.)
Varro E. Tyler Prize Details
The Varro E. Tyler Prize is to recognize an individual who has made outstanding scientific contributions to the broad field of dietary supplements, with special emphasis on botanicals. The contributions should be in an area of phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, or pharmacology. Notable contributions to botanical studies outside these primary areas of emphasis, including, for example, clinical investigations, may also be eligible for consideration.
The Varro E. Tyler Prize will consist of a suitably inscribed plaque, a monetary prize of $5,000, and travel expenses to the meeting where the award will be made.
Varro E. Tyler Prize Directions
Eligibility
The Varro E. Tyler Prize will be awarded either at the annual or an interim meeting of the ASP. Recipients must be present in person to receive it. Membership in the ASP is not a requirement for consideration, nor is eligibility restricted on the basis of nationality.
Selection
To be made by a committee appointed by the President of the American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP), consisting of a chair and at least two other members. Applications will not be returned. The Committee will hold unsuccessful submissions for reconsideration in future years.
Formatting Specifics
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12 point plain for general text and 14 point bold for headings.
- Alignment: Justify text
- Line Spacing: use 1.5 or greater
Application Process
The application form will consist of:
- Letter outlining the candidate's significant contributions to the field
- A detailed curriculum vitae of the nominee, including a complete listing of publications. Reprints of 2-3 significant papers may be included. Other types of supporting documents that may be listed are books, unpublished speeches, patents, and the like.
- Up to two supporting letters may also be submitted on behalf of a candidate/nominee.
Applications/nominations for the Varro E. Tyler Prize must be submitted by February 15th.
Any questions, please contact asphcog@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: The first Varro E. Tyler Prize was awarded at the interim ASP meeting held at Asilomar State Park in California from November 8-11, 2001.
Varro E. Tyler Prize Committee
2025-2026 - Chair: Ikhlas Khan
Varro E. Tyler Prize Recipients
Cindy Angerhofer
Joe Betz
John H. Cardellina II
Norman R. Farnsworth
