Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is putting $15,000 behind orchid science and art through the Richard and Ellen Sandor Prizes, a trio of $5,000 awards the Sarasota institution formally introduced on Thursday, Nov. 5. The new series includes three prizes: the Orchid Research Prize and the Orchid Discovery Prize, both accepting applications through Dec. 1. The Photography Prize, part of the new series, was awarded in 2026 as part of Selby Gardens' Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition.

Winners of the research and discovery prizes will be announced in January 2027.

What the prizes recognize

The Orchid Research Prize supports an independent research project focused on the discovery or documentation of orchid diversity in the American tropics or subtropics.

The Orchid Discovery Prize recognizes the most remarkable new orchid species published in a peer-reviewed journal during the 2026 calendar year. The winning species must be from the Americas.

The Photography Prize honors artistic orchid photography. A jury panel that includes Richard and Ellen Sandor selects the winning image based on artistic merit, creativity and visual impact. The virtual 47th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition returns in August 2027.

Who's behind the prizes

Richard Sandor, a Selby Gardens trustee, said in the announcement that he and his wife Ellen want to encourage continued research while inspiring more people to appreciate orchid conservation.

"Orchids are remarkable not only for their beauty, but for the incredible diversity, complexity, and stories they reveal about the natural world," Sandor said.

Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens, said the Sandors' support allows the gardens to recognize the scientists whose work shapes understanding of orchids.

The Sandors already have a visible presence on the downtown Sarasota campus. The Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & the Arts is a named building at the gardens, according to Your Observer coverage of the 2026 orchid show.

How to apply

Selby Gardens said application guidelines and details are available on its website at selby.org. The Dec. 1 deadline applies to both the research and discovery prizes.

Upcoming at Selby Gardens

  • Dec. 1 — Deadline for Sandor Orchid Research Prize and Orchid Discovery Prize applications
  • January 2027 — Research and discovery prize winners announced
  • August 2027 — 47th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition returns virtually