WOC Trust Medal Recipients

The WOC Trust Medal

The World Orchid Conference Trust awards medals to individuals of any nationality who have contributed to advancing the science, conservation, and practice of orchidology to the degree that warrants truly distinguished recognition. Outstanding accomplishments in the following categories would qualify an individual for consideration for the WOC Trust Medal:

• Significant work in the Conservation of orchids can include fundraising, scientific research, education, or practical work in habitat conservation and propagation.
• Significant and recognition of work in the Horticulture of orchids can include cultivation, hybridization, education, production of articles, botanical art, or books that contribute to the knowledge of orchids.
• Significant Scientific work on orchids that has received wide recognition and can include published research or education on distribution, taxonomy, genetics, or history.
• A consistent and long-term dedication to the activities of local, national, or international orchid organizations or an outstanding contribution to World Orchid Conferences and the aims of the WOC Trust.

The WOC Trust will ensure gender, nationality, and diversity balance in the nomination and selection of candidates. 

Conflict of interest and Propriety: all nominations should include full disclosure of interest or a declaration by the nominator that they do not have any conflict of interest. Any conflict of interest of the nominees with the WOC Trust should then be assessed and considered. A nominator or member of a Committee or the Board considered to have a conflict of interest should withdraw from any discussion or voting regarding all nominees for a particular WOC Trust Medal. Conflict of interest includes all moral, financial, or non-financial relationships which could compromise or have the appearance of compromising the individual’s impartiality, judgment, or integrity. Examples of conflict of interest include any financial, employment, voluntary involvement, or other benefits, including receipt of gifts or hospitality. Close relationships or associations. All competing personal, political, or academic interests must be resolved during vetting. 

Serving WOC Trustees are not eligible for the WOC Trust Medal. 

Method and Selection Process

• Medals are given at each WOC, one each in the following categories: Conservation, Horticulture, Science, and services to WOC. All categories can include educational work.
• Potential candidates are put forward to the chair of the Awards Committee by the WOC Committees or board members. Nominations may be received from individuals outside the Trust. A summary of reasons for the proposal and declarations by the candidate must be included. The committee must conduct due diligence to reveal any special relationship or conflict of interest. The deadline for nominations is six (6) months before a WOC. 
• The committee will provide a 'ranked' list of candidates for final consideration by the Board of Trustees. This will be the culmination of the committee's vetting.
• The Board of Trustees will discuss the supplied ranked list of candidates and vote by secret ballot for each category. The President will vote only to resolve a tie.
• Medal winners are informed three (3) months before a WOC and invited to attend. 
• Medals are typically presented at a World Orchid Conference.