Past Award & Medal Recipients

The Penrose Medal was established in 1927 by R.A.F. Penrose, Jr., to be awarded in recognition of eminent research in pure geology, for outstanding original contributions or achievements that mark a major advance in the science of geology.

The Arthur L. Day Medal was established in 1948 and is awarded to recognize outstanding distinction in the application of physics and chemistry to the solution of geologic problems, with no restriction to the particular field of geologic research.

The Young Scientist Award was established in 1988 to be awarded to a young scientist (35 or younger throughout the year in which the award is to be presented) for outstanding achievement in contributing to geologic knowledge through original research that marks a major advance in the earth sciences.

The Bromery Award recognizes minorities who have made significant contributions to research in the geological sciences or have been instrumental in opening the field of geoscience to other minorities.

The GSA Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals for exceptional service to the Society. GSA Members, Fellows, associates, and employees may be nominated for consideration. Any GSA member or employee may make a nomination for the award. Awardees are selected by the Executive Committee, and all selections are ratified by the Council.

The Woman in Science Award will be awarded to a woman who has impacted the field of geosciences in a major way based on her Ph.D. research. Women are eligible for the first five years following their degree.

The Bascom Geologic Mapping Award acknowledges contributions to high-quality, published geologic mapping that led the recipient to make significant new scientific or economic-resource discoveries and to advance understanding of fundamental geologic processes and concepts.

The GSA Public Service Award in honor of Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker was established by Council in 1998 to be awarded for contributions that have materially enhanced the public's understanding of the earth sciences, or significantly served decision makers in the application of scientific and technical information in public affairs and public policy related to the earth sciences.

The President's Medal, commissioned in 2007, will be conferred only on individuals, groups, or entities whose impact has profoundly enhanced the geoscience profession through (a) supporting and contributing to the Society; (b) advancing geosciences, enhancing professional growth, and/or promoting geosciences in service of humankind; or (c) significantly enlarging the range of scientific achievement for the growth of our profession.

The GSA Honorary Fellow Award is presented to an international geoscientist who has distinguished themselves in geoscience investigations, promoting environmental awareness, linking science and society, providing notable service to implementing public policy in natural-resource management, or otherwise making outstanding contributions to science.

The AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences is awarded in recognition of outstanding performance in and contribution to the geoscience profession.