The annual Harold Beams Memorial Lecture recognizes the contributions to science of Professor Emeritus Harold Beams, a world-renowned cell biologist and professor at the University of Iowa for 41 years.

In his honor, the University of Iowa established the Carver/Harold W. Beams Distinguished Professorship in Biological Sciences in 1989. To further recognize his achievements, colleagues and friends created the Harold W. Beams Lecture in 1992. This annual seminar brings an internationally-recognized cell biologist to Iowa City to interact with students and faculty and deliver a memorial lecture.