Applied DNA Sciences' President and CEO Dr. James Hayward to Be Honored as 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year by Long Island Technology Hall of Fame

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - March 2, 2009) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of DNA security solutions, announced today that Dr. James A. Hayward, Chairman, President and CEO, is being honored as the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame. The ceremony and reception will be held at the Garden City Hotel on March 4, 2009. Previous inductees to the Hall of Fame include Russell Artzt, Jerome Swartz (the founder of Symbol Technologies) and James Watson (Nobel prize Winner).

The Long Island Technology Hall of Fame recognizes, honors and preserves the contributions, accomplishments, and dedication of historical figures or current leaders in science or technology who have an impact on society.

Russell M. Artzt, Vice Chairman and Founder, Computer Associates, stated, "This award is a symbol of achievement for innovative entrepreneurs who provide inspiration, exemplify excellence and carry out their unique vision. Through hard work, determination, creativity and resourcefulness, Jim has proven himself a worthy recipient." Computer Associates is headquartered in Islandia, Long Island.

Clint Rubin, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Biotechnology at the University of Stony Brook, stated: "Dr. Hayward is one of New York's best and brightest business leaders and I am very pleased to see him honored for his commitment and dedication to serving the Long Island community."

Dr. Hayward has over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life science and consumer product industries. He was one of the founding principals and research director of one of Europe's earliest biotech companies, Biocompatibles Ltd. From 1984 to 1989, he was responsible for product development at Esteé Lauder Companies. Between 1990 and July 2004, Dr. Hayward was the Chairman, President and CEO of The Collaborative Group, Ltd., a provider of products and services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and consumer-product industries based in Stony Brook, New York. The Collaborative BioAlliance was sold to Dow Chemicals in 2002, while Collaborative Laboratories was sold to Englehard (now BASF) in 2004.

"I am very grateful for the recognition and it is especially meaningful coming from the Long Island community who define the way we apply technology in innovative ways. The Island's biotech heritage and links between innovators and universities open the doors for entrepreneurial development," stated Dr. Hayward.

About APDN

Applied DNA Sciences markets and sells DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. Its patented technologies sold under SigNature DNA use DNA from plants to mark and authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially can not be copied. Applied DNA also provides BioMaterial GenoTyping™ services by using genomic DNA present in natural materials to identify the original source of DNA present in finished products. Both platform technologies protect brands and products in a wide range of industries and provide a forensic chain of evidence to enable enforcement agencies to prosecute perpetrators. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com. APDN's common stock is listed on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "APDN."

The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe APDN's future plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of APDN. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 16, 2008 and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. APDN undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information: INVESTOR CONTACT: Debbie Bailey 631-444-8090 fax: 631-444-8848 MEDIA CONTACT: Janice Meraglia 631-444-6293 fax 631-444-8848 FCMN Contact: Web site: http://www.ADNAS.com