George Washington Carver was a pioneer of industrial biotechnology. He lived in an era before we had any information on gene cloning, or had even conceived of the idea to sequence the human genome. Despite this, he was well ahead of his time in his vision of sustainable agriculture and the use of bioproducts for everyday consumer products.

This distinguished scientist was raised in poverty but obtained a graduate degree in botany and taught sustainable farming. He was described by his superiors as a brilliant scientist. He developed over 300 industrial uses for various crops including dyes, cosmetics, plastics, glue, soaps and medicines.

It is most appropriate that BIO now has an award in the name of this fascinating man, for innovators and leaders in industrial biotechnology.

You can see a short video on Carver on You Tube. Read more about George Washington Carver on About.com.