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 Sargent Award supports visiting scholars in botanical sciences to conduct research utilizing the Arnold Arboretum's living collections, library, and herbarium. This grant program emphasizes the value of the Arboretum's diverse and well-documented collection, particularly highlighting flora from China, Japan, and Korea. With up to $7,000 awarded, the grant focuses on covering research and travel expenses rather than serving as a salary stipend. The award aims to bolster original research, encourage scholarly exchanges, and showcase the research potential of the Arboretum’s resources.