QG&G Awards EDSA

The Easterbrook Distinguished Scientist Award was established in 1999 by the GSA Foundation as a Division award administered by the Division. Dr. Don J. Easterbrook, Professor at Western Washington State University, contributed the initial endowment for the award.

An individual who has shown unusual excellence in published research, as demonstrated by a single paper of exceptional merit or a series of papers that have substantially increased knowledge in Quaternary geology or geomorphology, shall be designated the Don J. Easterbrook Distinguished Scientist. The intent of the Easterbrook Award is to recognize an individual whose research has constituted significant advancements in Quaternary geology and geomorphology. No particular time limitations apply to the recognized research. It may have been done recently or many years ago and may have been published in one or a series of papers. The recognition is normally extended to a single person, but in the event of particularly significant research by more than one person, the award may be shared by not more than two persons.

Nominations for the award shall be made by a Nominating Committee composed of the Chair and two at-large Division members. Not less than three persons are to be nominated for the award by the Nominating Committee. Members of the Division may also nominate individuals for the award. Nominees need not be members of the Division. Nominations with documentation are forwarded to the Division Panel, which selects the Distinguished Scientist.

Nominations are to be accompanied by supporting documentation, including a statement of the significance of the research of the nominee, a resume including bibliography, letters of support, and any other documents that show the significance of the nominee’s research.

Please note: Nomination packages (preferably as PDF attached to email) are to be submitted electronically. Paper submissions of nomination packages will be accepted ONLY by permission of the QG&G Division Officer who handles the award. Nomination packages for the Easterbrook Award should be sent directly to the Division Chair.

Although recognition of extraordinary prior research excellence is the intent of this award, the award carries with it an opportunity for funding additional research. Following his or her selection for the award, the Easterbrook Distinguished Scientist is invited to submit a research proposal to the Division Panel. The proposal shall be evaluated by the Panel, which shall also determine the amount to be made available from the Easterbrook Fund. Such funds are intended to fund new research. Items normally included in research proposals to agencies such as the U.S. National Science Foundation are appropriate, including summer salaries and various research costs. Although funding may be requested for graduate assistants, the award winner is expected to conduct the bulk of the research. No overhead costs to universities or other agencies are to be included in the funds withdrawn from the Easterbrook Fund. Once a proposal from the Easterbrook Distinguished Scientist has been accepted by the Panel, withdrawal of funds may begin immediately according to the accounting practices employed by The Geological Society of America Foundation. Within three years of the date of approval of the proposal by the Panel, the winner shall submit a written report of the results of the research (or publications) to the Division Secretary.

The Division Chair arranges for a citationist to make the award at the Awards Ceremony at the Annual Meeting, whereas the chair of the selection committee coordinates the evaluation of the research proposal submitted by the winner. The Division Chair arranges for the winner of the Easterbrook Award to present the 30-minute “Easterbrook Distinguished Scientist Lecture” as part of a regularly scheduled technical session (Quaternary) at the Annual Meeting.