About the Fund
The Schroth Faces of the Future Fund was established through a generous donation by Milt and Nancy Schroth, for the purpose to acknowledge early career APS members doing research in various areas of plant pathology. Earnings from this fund provide funding to support the four selected speakers to present their current work and speculate on the future directions of the featured discipline during the symposium at the APS annual meeting.
Donate to the Fund
Schroth Faces of the Future Symposium Theme and Host Committee
Each year the symposium discipline rotates through four broad groups of plant pathogenic agents: Bacteriology, Mycology, Nematology, and Virology. For 2026, the focus is Mycology. Additional details around this theme will be posted soon.
The APS Early Career Professionals Committee hosts the symposium annually and selects four APS Early Career Members from the submitted applications to present in the symposium at the APS annual meeting.
Honor Bestowed
Up to four APS Early Career presenters are selected to give a 40-minute presentation during the Schroth Faces of the Future Symposium at the APS annual meeting.
Recipients of the award will receive complimentary meeting registration to Plant Health 2026 (funded from the Schroth Faces of the Future Symposium Fund).
Recognition at the APS annual meeting.
Eligibility
APS Early Career Membership or Professional Membership* is required both at time of application and upon receipt and presentation at the meeting. (APS Student Members are not eligible)
Applications from forward-thinking scientists in the early stages of their careers (*within 10 years of highest degree received) that are perceived to be future leaders in the field are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
One-page essay outlining the applicant's impact of their completed and ongoing research, and their views on the future of the identified discipline.
2-page Curriculum Vitae
Copy of abstract submitted to Plant Health 2026
One Recommendation Letter* submitted directly by an established scientist. Letter to include an evaluation of the applicant's research and addresses the innovation and impact of the research completed by the applicant has on the discipline and the future of the field. Multiple recommendation letters will not be evaluated.
*Recommendation Letters to be submitted directly by the letter writer using the Letter of Recommendation online form.
Submit Letter of Recommendation
Submission Deadline
Applicant to save required materials (*except for the Recommendation Letter) into one PDF document prior to submitting their application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered for funding.
Applications for 2026 will be accepted in February.
Submit Application
Review & Selection
A subset of the APS Early Career Professionals Committee reviews and selects up to four speakers for the symposium. Each speaker is allocated up to 40 min for their oral presentation.
Previous Schroth Awardees
