Dr. Warren J. Goux, representing the University of Texas at Dallas, proudly delivered his paper entitled "Chemical Characterization of the Immunomodulating Polysaccharide of Aloe Vera L." at the 23rd Annual Scientific Seminar.
   Dr. Goux was not aware that his paper, along with others, were blinded and submitted to the Science & Technology Committee Chairman, Dr. Carlton Turner, and then forwarded to his committee for review. Each committee member independently reviews the papers and rates them based on the following:

1. Originality of thought and development of research
2. Data supports conclusion of paper
   a. Does it contain adequate methods section?
   b. Does paper state how material tested was obtained?
   c. Does paper provide adequate analysis and material to duplicate study?
   d. Does paper have data to support charts/graphs?
3. Completeness of paper as to methods, origin of material used and how analyzed and produced
4. Can current paper be submitted to reputable peer reviewed journal in area of interest?
5. Usefulness of paper in expanding knowledge of products from plant Aloe vera L.
6. Did paper acknowledge all relevant references?

   Ballots were tallied and the winners name was forwarded directly to the IASC office. All papers were delivered at the seminar and the winner was unveiled during the Friday evening banquet.
    Dr. Goux was presented a plaque acknowledging him as the 2004 Yun-Ho Lee Merit Award winner from the International Aloe Science Council. Along with the plaque, Dr. Goux received a $10,000 check. Dr. Goux became the 9th recipient to be honored as the winner of the Yun-Ho Lee Merit Award.
   The Yun-Ho Lee Merit Award was established in honor of a true pioneer of the Aloe Science Council. Mr. Bill Lee, President and Chairman of the Board of NamYang Aloe Co., Ltd., established this special award in honor of his father, Chairman Yun-Ho Lee.
   This award has a dual meaning. This award recognizes scientific work done to promote research benefiting the Aloe Industry worldwide and honors the memory of a true pioneer in our Aloe world. Chairman Lee and his dedication will live on far beyond his allotted time and give us the opportunity to reflect on his generosity and spirit.
   The prestigious list of past winners and their paper titles follow:

1997 - Dr. Akira Yagi
"Immunochemical analysis of nondialysate fractions of Aloe vera, A. arborescence, A. chinesis, and of A. vera gel products"

Warren Goux (center) receives the Yun-Ho Lee Award.

1998 - Dr. Julia Zhihua Qiu
"Activation and characterization of Aloe barbadensis gel and the purified polysaccharide with immunostimulating and immunomodulating activities"

1999 - Dr. Se Young, Choung
"Protective effect of prokidin on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and the mechanism"

2000 - Dr. Byung Mu Lee
"Comparative cancer chemopreventive effects of plant polysaccharides (Aloe barbadensis Miller, Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, and Coriolus vesicolor)"

2001 - Byung Pal Yu
"Beneficial Effects of Aloe vera Ingestion: Suppression of Diseases and Oxidative Stress"

2001 - Dr. Ahmed Abdullah
"The Effects of Aloe vera Extracts on Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication (GJIC) and Proliferation of Human Skin Fibroblasts in Diabetes Mellitus; Implication for Wound Healing"

2002 - Yin-Tung Wang
"Severeness of Leaf Harvest and Supplemental Nutrients on Long-term Leaf Growth and Yield of Aloe barbadensis"

2003 - Yawei Ni
"Isolations and Characterization of Structural Components of Aloe vera L. Leaf Pulp"