This honour, initially given in 1932, provides life membership and Society publications to distinguished plant biologists from outside the United States. The honor is conferred by election on the annual ballot. The committee selects no more than three (3) candidates, and these are placed on the ballot for approval of corresponding membership by majority vote. The president notifies successful candidates of their election. Election of a corresponding member is to be considered each year, and held if warranted, provided the election will not increase the number of corresponding members beyond two (2) percent of the dues-paying membership.

John Evans was awarded a Corresponding Member Award in 2017 from the American Society of Plant Biologists.

Other RSB members who have received this award include Bob Robertson, Ralph Slatyer, Graham Farquhar, Murray Badger, Susanne von Caemmerer, and Barry Pogson.