Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the AGU Fellows program created?
Established in 1962, the Fellows program recognizes AGU members who have made exceptional contributions to Earth and space sciences as valued by their peers and vetted by a committee of Fellows. The Fellows program serves to meet the need of identifying authorities who could advise, upon request, the various government agencies and other organizations outside the Earth and space sciences. In addition, the program aims to motivate members to achieve excellence in research and thereby enhance the prestige of AGU.

Originally suggested by the AGU Executive Committee of 1960, the Membership Committee sought the counsel of “elder AGU statesmen” including Walter H. Bucher, Leason H. Adams, W. D. Lambert, Maurice Ewing, and Joseph Kaplan. The first class of elected AGU Fellows was announced in December 1962.

When will AGU begin to accept 2013 Fellows nominations? What is the submission deadline?
We will open the nomination cycle on 15 January 2013.  The last day to submit a Fellows nomination will be 15 March 2013, 2359h (Eastern Time).

In 2011, the submission deadline for Fellows nominations was 15 July.  Why the sudden change?
In previous years, the Fellows program had a different timeline because these honorees were presented during the Joint Assembly and AGU Spring Meeting, respectively.  As of 2010, Council voted to recognize all Union honorees at the AGU Fall Meeting.  And, as a result, the need to determine the elected class of Fellows at an earlier date was no longer needed.

Will AGU have a 2012 class of Fellows?
Yes, the 2012 class of Fellows was elected by the Union Fellows Selection Committee during the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting. We announced the 2012 class of Fellows on 24 January 2012. These 61 individuals will be recognized during the Honors Ceremony at the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting, 3–7 December in San Francisco, Calif.

Since no nominations will be accepted in 2012, is AGU skipping a year for electing Fellows?
While this may break from tradition, it will have no impact on electing future Fellows classes.  The elected class of 2012 Fellows has been identified and will be recognized at this year’s Fall Meeting.  And, the elected class of 2013 will be announced in July 2013 and recognized at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting.

Will any of the Fellows nomination eligibility and requirements change in 2013?
AGU will announce eligibility and requirements prior to accepting 2013 Fellows nominations, 15 January–15 March 2013.

When are newly elected Fellows and their nominators notified?
Newly elected Fellows and their nominators will be notified in July 2013.

When are newly elected Fellows announced?
Newly elected Fellows will be announced in Eos in late-July or early-August 2013.

When are newly elected Fellows honored?
Newly elected Fellows will be honored during the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California.

I have a unique question that is not answered here. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Member Relations Program Manager, Danica Williams at +1-202-777-7513 or unionfellows@agu.org.