International Association for Vegetation Science

The International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS) promotes contact between scientists and others interested in the study of vegetation ecology, promotes research and publication of research results. In 1939 the International Phytosociological Society (IPS) was founded, with its headquarters in Montpellier, France. After the Second World War it was reconstituted as the Internationale Vereinigung für Vegetationskunde (IVV), which adopted a constitution at the International Botanical Congress of 1954. The current name was adopted in 1981–82.

Publications
The society publishes:
 * IAVS Bulletin
 * Journal of Vegetation Science
 * Applied Vegetation Science
 * Resolutions

Awards
The Alexander von Humboldt Medal is a prize awarded biennially from 2011 onwards by the association. The award is intended to honor scientists who have contributed greatly to the intellectual development and advancement of vegetation science and plant community ecology. Honorary membership is also bestowed by the society.

Medal recipients

 * 2011 J. Philip Grime
 * 2013 David Tilman
 * 2015 Sandra Lavorel
 * 2017 F. Stuart Chapin III
 * 2019 Pierre Legendre