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Frequently Asked Questions
Nomination Process
What Union awards, medals, and prize are currently awarded by AGU? What are the scope statements (citations) for each AGU Union, medal, and prize? How often are they presented?
| Medal or Union Award | Year Established | Presented | AGU Citation |
| William Bowie Medal | 1939 | 1 medalist annually | For outstanding contributions to fundamental geophysics and for unselfish cooperation in research. |
| James B. Macelwane Medal | 1961 | 3 (or up to 5) medalists annually | For significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by an outstanding early career scientist (eligible nominees must be no more than 10 years beyond receiving their Ph.D. or highest equivalent terminal degree achieved on 1 January of the year of presentation). |
| John Adam Fleming Medal | 1960 | 1 medalist annually | For original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, space physics, and related sciences. |
| Walter H. Bucher Medal | 1966 | 1 medalist in alternate (even) years | For original contributions to the basic knowledge of the crust and lithosphere. |
| Maurice Ewing Medal | 1974 | 1 medalist annually | For significant original contributions to the scientific understanding of the processes in the ocean; for the advancement of oceanographic engineering, technology, and instrumentation; and for outstanding service to the marine sciences. |
| Robert E. Horton Medal | 1974 | 1 medalist annually | For outstanding contributions to hydrology. |
| Charles A. Whitten Medal | 1984 | 1 medalist in alternate (even) years | For outstanding achievement in research on the form and dynamics of the Earth and planets. |
| Harry H. Hess Medal | 1984 | 1 medalist | For outstanding achievements in research of the constitution and evolution of Earth and other planets. |
| Roger Revelle Medal | 1991 | 1 medalist annually | For outstanding contributions in atmospheric sciences, atmosphere-ocean coupling, atmosphere-land coupling, biogeochemical cycles, climate, or related aspects of the Earth system. |
| Inge Lehmann Medal | 1995 | 1 medalist on alternate (odd) years | For outstanding contributions to the understanding of the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle and core. |
| Climate Communication Prize | 2011 | 1 prize recipient annually | Honors an AGU member-scientist for the communication of climate science. |
| Edward A. Flinn III Award | 1990 | 1 awardee annually | For an individual who personifies the Union’s motto “unselfish cooperation in research” through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities. |
| Charles S. Falkenberg Award | 2002 | 1 awardee annually | For a scientist under 45 years of age who has contributed to the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through the use of Earth science information and to the public awareness of the importance of understanding our planet. |
| Athelstan Spilhaus Award | 2003 | 1 awardee annually | For enhancement of the public understanding of Earth and space science. |
| Excellence in Geophysical Education Award (EGEA) | 1995 | 1 awardee (individual, group, or team) annually | To acknowledge a sustained commitment to excellence in geophysical education by a team, individual, or group. To educators who have had a major impact on geophysical education at any level (kindergarten through postgraduate), who have been outstanding teachers and trainers for a number of years, or who have made a long-lasting, positive impact on geophysical education through professional service. |
| International Award | 2007 | 1 awardee (individual, group, or team) annually | To recognize an individual scientist or a small team for making an outstanding contribution to furthering the Earth and space sciences and using science for the benefit of society in less favored nations. |
| Waldo E. Smith Award | 2012 | 1 awardee in alternate (even) years. | For extraordinary service to geophysics. |
| Science for Solutions Award | 2012 | 1 awardee annually. | In recognition of significant contributions in the application and use of Earth and space sciences to solve societal problems by a student or postdoctoral scientist (who is within three years of receiving their Ph.D.). |
| Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism | 1992 | 1 awardee in alternate (odd) years. | To a journalist or a group that has made significant, lasting, and consistent contributions to accurate reporting or writing on the geophysical sciences for the general public. |
| Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism—Features | 1989 | 1 awardee (individual or group of up to 4 people) annually | To a journalist for excellence in reporting and writing a story or a series of not more than three stories developed from a single news event. |
| David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism—News | 1999 | 1 awardee (individual or group of up to 4 people) annually | To a journalist for excellence in reporting and writing a feature story. |
Who can submit an AGU Union award, medal, and prize nomination?
President and President-Elect, Council Leadership Team and Honors and Recognition Committee are unable to submit or support nominations during their two years term (1 January-31 December) of office. Union Award, Medal, and Prize committee members should not submit a nomination or supporting letter for potential candidates of the committee they serve on.
| Medal or Union Award | Acceptable Nominators | Acceptable Nominees |
| William Bowie Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| James B. Macelwane Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members, and no more than 10 years beyond receiving their Ph.D. or highest equivalent terminal degree achieved on 1 January of the year of presentation. |
| John Adam Fleming Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Walter H. Bucher Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Maurice Ewing Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Robert E. Horton Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Charles A. Whitten Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Harry H. Hess Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Roger Revelle Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Inge Lehmann Medal | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Climate Communication Prize | Open to the public | Active AGU member-scientist |
| Edward A. Flinn III Award | Active AGU members | Any individual or small group |
| Charles S. Falkenberg Award | Open to the public | Any individual scientist less than 45 years of age |
| Athelstan Spilhaus Award | Open to the public | Active AGU members for the previous 2 years |
| Excellence in Geophysical Education Award (EGEA) | Active AGU members | Open to the public |
| International Award | Active AGU members | Open to the public |
| Waldo E. Smith Award | Open to the public | Active AGU members |
| Science for Solutions Award | Open to the public | Active AGU member who is a current student or postdoctoral scientist (who is within three years since receiving their Ph.D.), and a member of any AGU Section or Focus Group. |
| Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism | Active AGU members | Open to science journalists |
| Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism—Features | Open to self-nominators and the public | Open to journalists working in any medium, except books |
| David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism—News | Open to self-nominators and the public | Open to journalists working in any medium, except books |
What, if any, eligibility requirements should be considered before submitting a nomination?
For AGU Medal nominations, candidates must have an active AGU membership status at the time of submission. Active membership simply refers to the renewal of AGU membership. To determine one’s member status, contact the Member Services staff at service@agu.org.
For Falkenberg Award nominations, the letter must include the birth date of the nominee. The nominee’s age must be less than 45 years of age on 1 January of the year of presentation.
For AGU Union Award nominations, some restrictions may apply. Please visit the specific award page to review the “Nomination Process & Requirements” for specific membership restrictions.
Can I nominate myself?
AGU only accepts self-nominators for the Sullivan and Perlman journalism awards. With the exception of the Sullivan and Perlman awards, you cannot nominate yourself. AGU accepts nominations and supporting letters only from colleagues of individuals who show that they have made outstanding contributions to the Earth and space sciences.
Can I submit a nomination on behalf of an AGU President, President-Elect, Council Leadership Team, or Honors & Recognition Committee member?
Unfortunately, nominations for AGU President, President-Elect, Council Leadership Team and Honors and Recognition Committee members cannot be accepted during their terms of office.
I am an elected or appointed AGU officer (e.g., section president, focus group vice-chair, member of Board of Directors, etc.). Can I submit a nomination letter or supporting letter during my term?
Yes, AGU Council (section president, section vice-president, focus group chair, focus group vice-chair, committee chairs, and students & early career scientists), and Board of Directors can submit nominations or letters of support during their two years term of office.
Unfortunately, AGU President, President-Elect, Council Leadership Team, and Honors and Recognition Committee members cannot submit nominations or letters of support during their two years term of office. In addition, no member of the Union Award, Medal, and Prize committees should nominate or support a nomination for the committee they currently serve on.
The intention of this policy is to prevent the appearance of undue influence on committee selection process. If an AGU officer has previously nominated or supported a candidate before being elected or appointed, wherever possible, time will be provided to permit substitutions.
What should be included in the nomination package?
- a letter of nomination outlining the nominee’s significant contributions,
- a curriculum vitae,
- a bibliography (with a brief paragraph stating the candidate’s total number and types of publications; specifying the number published in AGU journals), and
- three supporting letters (at least two individuals are not to be currently or recently associated with the nominee’s institution of graduate education or employment).
PLEASE NOTE: There are specific requirements for Excellence in Geophysical Education, International, Spilhaus, Science for Solutions Award, Cowen, Perlman, and Sullivan award nominations.
Is there a page limit on submitted documentation?
Yes, there is a two page limit for each required document (minimum of 11 pt. font) submitted in a Union Award, Medal, or Prize nomination package.
How do I submit an AGU Union Award, Medal, or Prize nomination?
With the exception of journalism awards (Cowen, Sullivan, and Perlman), AGU Union Award, Medal, and Prize nominations can be submitted (1) online or (2) electronically. However, to expedite the submission process, please use the online submission system.
Please note that the nomination package must be complete at the time of submission. Once the nomination is submitted, no additional information can be submitted online thereafter. If a nomination package requires revising, please send the revised document(s) electronically, in either .pdf or .doc format, to the Executive Office: unionhonors@agu.org. You do not need to send a print version if you submit the package using this form.
To submit online, visit: http://sites.agu.org/honors/
E-mail: unionhonors@agu.org
All online and electronic submissions must be date stamped and received by the submission deadline, which is 15 March. Please note that only complete packages will be forwarded to Union Award, Medal, and Prize committees for review.
To submit an AGU journalism award nomination, download the submission form .
I plan to submit the nomination package using AGU’s online submission system. Which file formats can I use for uploading?
The AGU online submission system accepts .doc, and .pdf formatted files. If you experience difficulty uploading a nomination, please contact the Executive Office: unionhonors@agu.org.
I have successfully submitted the nomination package but would like to revise one of the documents. What should I do?
Once a nomination package is submitted online, it cannot be revised. Please submit the revised document(s) electronically (i.e., .doc or .pdf formatted files) to the Executive Office: unionhonors@agu.org, subject title: [Name of Union Award\Medals\Prize] Nomination Revision. Revised documents must be received at AGU headquarters by the appropriate deadline date, which is 15 March.
Will AGU contact me if my nomination package is incomplete or requires revising?
Yes, the Executive Office staff will contact any nominator regarding incomplete or incorrect packages. Only complete packages will move forward to the Union Award, Medal, or Prize committees for review. Revised documents must be received at AGU headquarters by the appropriate deadline date, which is 15 March.
How is a final decision reached by a Union Award or Medal committee?
The Union Awards, Medals and Prize committees dedicates several weeks to reviewing every nomination submitted. On the basis of their scientific backgrounds and knowledge, committee members hold confidential deliberations until an honoree is chosen. No one is selected without receiving a majority of the committee’s votes. Once an awardee, medalist, or prize recipient is chosen, the committee reports their recommendations to the AGU Council Leadership Team for final approval.
In the event a committee is deadlocked, the chair will report such to the AGU Council Leadership Team. No medal, award, or prize will be given that year. Unless there are three viable nominations, the committee is not expected to make a recommendation for that year.
What is a “holdover” nomination?
During the deliberation process, Union Award, Medal, and Prize Committees may recommend that a nominee who was not selected is held over for reconsideration during the following year. This may occur when the more than one candidate is considered a strong contender by the majority of the Award/Medal/Prize Committee. Nominations can be held over for no more than 2 years after the original date of submission. Nominators are encouraged to update documentation in held-over packages (i.e., nomination letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, and supporting letters).
I nominated a candidate who, unfortunately, was not selected and can no longer be held over. Can a nomination be submitted for review again?
Yes. If your candidate is not selected and they still meet the nomination requirements, a new nomination can be submitted to the Union Award, Medal, or Prize Committee for review.
I want to strengthen and resubmit my nomination package from the previous year. How do I obtain feedback regarding an unsuccessful nomination package?
Upon request, nominators are provided with feedback from the Union Award, Medal, or Prize Committee to which their package was submitted. All requests for feedback should be sent to the Executive Office: unionhonors@agu.org.
Can the same candidate have multiple nominators?
There have been instances where we have received more than one nomination for a candidate. However, it is often suggested that multiple nominators collaborate so as to submit a robust package for the nominee.
When are the selected honorees and their nominators notified?
Union awardees, medalists and prize recipient are typically notified in mid-July of the presentation year. Once the honorees have been notified, their primary nominator will be contacted thereafter.
When are the selected honorees announced?
An announcement is made on the AGU Web site once the honorees and all nominators — successful and unsuccessful — are contacted by the Executive Office team. Citations and responses that are presented during the AGU Honors Ceremony will appear in Eos shortly after the annual meeting.
When are AGU Union awardees, medalists, and prize recipient honored?
Union awardees, medalists, and prize recipient will be honored during the AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California.
Is there a historical list of AGU awardees and medalists available? Where can I find the new class of honorees listed?
Yes, you can view current and historical honoree lists on the AGU Web site.
I am an AGU Union awardee, medalist, or prize recipient, but my name does not appear on the historical list.
Please contact the Executive Office: unionhonors@agu.org, as soon as possible.
What does it mean to be conferred a Fellow?
Any AGU medalist who has not been previously elected a Fellow is automatically accorded the honor as well. This usually occurs with Macelwane medalists; however, it is not limited to them.
When is the deadline for Union award, medal, and prize nominations?
With the exception of AGU journalism awards, the annual deadline for Union award, medal, and prize nominations is 15 March. All nominations must be submitted by the deadline date – no later than 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) or 0359 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). To determine the deadline time for your location, please visit the World Clock.
| AGU Honors | Submission Deadline (2359 EDT; 0359 UTC) |
| Union Awards | 15 March |
| Medals | 15 March |
| Climate Communication Prize | 15 March |
For information about AGU journalism award nomination requirements and deadlines, visit http://www.agu.org/about/honors/union/nominations/nomJournalism.shtml
I have a unique question that is not answered here. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Leah Bland at +1 202 777 7389 or Senior Executive Assistant Beth Paredes at +1 202 777 7500 or e-mail unionhonors@agu.org.
Nomination Letter
What information should the nomination letter contain?
Nomination letters should be concise, clear, and, preferably, on letterhead. The nomination should include a brief history of the candidate’s work and the publications that have resulted and should also indicate which Award, Medal, or Prize committee should review the package.
Is a short citation required?
Yes, a short citation is required for award, medal, or prize nominations.
Should a nomination letter or supporting letter contain the author’s signature?
Yes, both nomination letters and supporting letters should contain the author’s signature, full name, title, and institution affiliation. In addition, nominators and supporters are encouraged to submit letters using their institution’s letterhead. Electronic or official signatures and letterhead are acceptable. Please mail a signed copy of any letter that is submitted electronically without a signature to AGU headquarters.
Does my nomination letter also count as one of the three required letters of support for my nominee?
No, a nomination letter is submitted along with the required three supporting letters. A nominator cannot also submit a letter of support in the same nomination package—he or she must secure at least three individuals who support the nomination. Thus a total of at least four, different individuals are involved in an award or medal nomination (i.e., one nominator plus three supporters).
I still am unsure of what to include in a nomination letter or supporting letter. What should I consider when writing a nomination letter?
The nomination and supporting letters must clearly state how the candidate’s research over a sustained period of time has made a significant impact on his or her field. The letters must explain the contributions and their importance so that they can be understood by their peers and scientists in other fields of research.
Consider answering the following questions as you make your case in the nominating letter and supporting letters:
- The first paragraph of each nomination and supporting letter should include the name of the candidate and a few sentences giving the overall reasons for nominating or supporting the candidate. The body of the nominating letter, which could be a few paragraphs, should give a brief and concise history of the candidate’s work and publications that have resulted. Both the nomination and supporting letters should state how the work has contributed to the field overall and/or to the growth of the field, as well as what insights have been gained and what impacts the work will have on current and future research.
- The last paragraph of the nomination and supporting letters should summarize the work, state who has benefitted, and highlight some of the candidate’s recognitions and notable service to his/her field.
- If possible, the nominator might want to provide his/her nomination letter and other nomination materials to the persons asked to write supporting letters to help ensure the best possible coverage of the nominee’s accomplishments and contributions. It is important that supporting letters augment the letter of nomination through substantive material, establishing the nominee’s international reputation in his/her field as important.
- A requirement of three supporting letters should be submitted. At least two supporting letters should be from individuals not currently or recently associated with the candidate’s institution of graduate education or employment.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
What information should the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV) contain, and what is the page limit?
The curriculum vitae should list the candidate’s (1) name, (2) address, (3) history of employment, (4) degrees, (5) research experience, (6) honors, (7) memberships, and (8) service to the community through committee work, advisory boards, etc. It is important to explain the reasons for the honors which have been received by the candidate. All incomplete or incorrect CVs will be returned to the nominator for revising.
Selected Bibliography
What information should the bibliography contain?
Each selected bibliography should begin by briefly stating the candidate’s total number and types of publications and specifying the number published in AGU journals. For example:
Jane Doe is the author of 92 publications, 86 in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 14 of which have been published in AGU journals and books. The following selected list best supports Jane’s nomination for the Smith Medal.
All incomplete or incorrect documents will be returned to the nominator for revising.
Letters of Support
I have submitted a nomination package, but another supporter would like to write a letter on behalf of the nominee. How should we proceed?
Either the nominator or supporter can submit the additional supporting letter, by e-mail: unionhonors@agu.org.
Any additional supporting letters submitted electronically must be date stamped and received by the submission deadline, which is 15 March.
There are several reputable and esteemed scientists who have agreed to write supporting letters for my nominee. I simply cannot choose three supporters from this list of highly regarded individuals. Can there be an exception to the rule?
Although it may be difficult to choose, nominators cannot exceed six letters of support in a medal or award nomination package. If more than three supporting letters are submitted, then an e-mail will be sent to the nominator requesting the names of their three supporters. If no response is received, then the Executive Office will randomly select three of the supporters provided in order to move the nomination package forward. All incorrect letters of support will be returned to the nominator for revising.