The WOC Trust Medal

The World Orchid Conference Trust awards medals to individuals of any nationality who have made significant contributions to advancing the science, conservation, and practice of orchidology, deserving truly distinguished recognition. Outstanding achievements in the following categories would qualify an individual for consideration for the WOC Trust Medal:

·       Significant work in orchid conservation includes fundraising, scientific research, education, and practical efforts in habitat conservation and propagation.

·       Significant recognition in orchid horticulture includes cultivation, hybridization, education, publication of articles, botanical art, or books that advance knowledge of orchids.

·       Notable scientific contributions on orchids that have gained widespread recognition, including published studies or educational initiatives on distribution, taxonomy, genetics, or history.

·       A sustained and long-term commitment to the activities of local, national, or international orchid organizations or an exceptional contribution to World Orchid Conferences and the goals of the WOC Trust.

The WOC Trust aims to promote a balance of gender, nationality, and diversity in the nomination and selection of candidates. 

Conflict of Interest and Propriety: All nominations must include a full disclosure of any interest or a declaration by the nominator that they have no conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest involving the nominees and the WOC Trust should then be evaluated and considered. A nominator or member of a Committee or the Board who is found to have a conflict of interest should recuse themselves from any discussion or voting related to all nominees for a particular WOC Trust Medal. Conflict of interest includes all moral, financial, or non-financial relationships that could compromise or appear to compromise the individual’s impartiality, judgment, or integrity. Examples include economic, employment, or voluntary involvement benefits, as well as the receipt of gifts or hospitality. Close relationships or associations must also be disclosed. All competing personal, political, or academic interests must be resolved during the vetting process. 

Serving WOC Trustees are ineligible for the WOC Trust Medal. 

Method and selection process.

·       Medals are awarded at each WOC, one in each of the following categories: Conservation, Horticulture, Science, and services to WOC. All categories can encompass educational work.

·       Potential candidates are recommended to the chair of the Awards Committee by the WOCT committees or board members. Nominations can also come from individuals outside the Trust. A summary of reasons for the nomination and declarations by the candidate must be included. The committee must perform due diligence to identify any special relationships or conflicts of interest. The deadline for nominations is five (5) months before a WOC. The deadline for the Dresden WOC is October 15, 2025.

·       The committee will produce a 'ranked' list of candidates for final review by the Board of Trustees. This marks the culmination of the committee's vetting process.

·       The Board of Trustees will review the provided ranked list of candidates and cast secret ballots for each category. The President will only vote to break a tie.

·       Medal winners are notified three months before a WOC and invited to attend. 

·       Medals are usually awarded at a World Orchid Conference.