PSU Faculty of Science Researcher Receives International Webster Award 2026 Recognized by the American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT)
In an era when climate change is affecting ecosystems around the world, knowledge of plant taxonomy has become an important foundation for biodiversity conservation. Thai science has recently received international recognition, as Dr. Chatchaba Promma, lecturer and researcher from the Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, received the 2026 Grady L. and Barbara D. Webster Plant Systematics Publication Award from the American Society of Plant Taxonomists, or ASPT.
The award recognizes outstanding publications in plant systematics and taxonomy from around the world over a two-year period. Dr. Chatchaba was recognized for her research on the taxonomy and classification of liverworts, published in Systematic Botany Monographs under the title “Monograph of the Genus Radula Subgenus Amentuloradula (Radulaceae, Marchantiophyta).” The study brings together detailed biological and taxonomic information in a comprehensive monograph.
Although mosses and liverworts may appear to be small plants growing on rocks or tree bark, bryophytes can provide valuable information about forest ecosystems and environmental conditions. Accurate taxonomic data can also support biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, further research, and the future exploration of plant-based compounds with potential medical and bioeconomic applications.
This international recognition also reflects PSU’s continuing contribution to research on tropical biodiversity, with knowledge that can support both nature conservation and the sustainable use of local biological resources.
The award was officially presented during the Botany 2026 Conference in Tucson, Arizona, United States.