Home > Feature Stories > Monsanto Announces Franz Innovation Award Scholarship > Biography of Dr. John Franz

Print This Page

Biography of Dr. John Franz

Dr. John Franz – Inventor of Roundup





In 1955, after completing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Minnesota, John Franz accepted a job with the Organic Division of Monsanto. There he worked on a variety or projects that included polymer flame-retardants.

In 1967, Franz jumped at a chance to transfer to the Ag Division because he liked its emphasis on publishing, academic contacts, and the freedom to pursue ideas.

“For a year, I studied plant physiology and did basic plant growth studies… no chemistry,” said Franz. “During the year I spent with the biologists and plant physiologists I became convinced that the biorational approach was the direction to move in.” Franz’ approach to chemistry eventually led to the synthesis of glyphosate and the beginning of the Roundup legacy.

As inventor of Roundup herbicide, Dr. Franz has been recognized with a number of awards – far outstripping the $5 he got from Monsanto for the first glyphosate patent. Some of the most notable honors include becoming the first recipient (in 1983) of the Queeny Award, Monsanto’s highest technical award to recognize an invention that resulted in a commercial success. In 1987, the President of the United States presented Dr. Franz with the National Medal of Technology, recognizing contributions to world agriculture. He received the Perkin Medal in 1990 in recognition of his contributions to research and development of applied chemistry, and in 2007 was inducted into the U.S. Inventor’s Hall of Fame.

Dr. Franz holds over 840 U.S. and foreign patents. He retired from Monsanto in 1991.

Note: With respect to the time period prior to Sept. 1, 2000, references to Monsanto or the company refer to the agricultural business of Pharmacia Corporation, which was known as Monsanto Company until March 1, 2000.