The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University aims to achieve excellence in scholarship and contribute to the advancement of society as an international center for the study of plants. It focuses on integrating living and archival collections for discovery and dissemination of knowledge to Harvard University students, local educational institutions, and the public. Its mission also includes enhancing the understanding and appreciation of plants, horticulture, and biodiversity.
The Jewett Prize, supported by the Arnold Arboretum, focuses on encouraging original research by visiting scholars in the realm of woody plant studies. It is designed to utilize the Arboretum's exceptional resources, including a living collection of about 15,000 plants and significant holdings in the Harvard Botanical Library and the Harvard University Herbaria. The grant aims to foster collegial exchanges and partnerships, highlighting the research value of the Arboretum’s collections, particularly emphasizing the floras of China, Japan, and Korea.