What does it change to receive an award?

Award nominations are currently open and the European Association of Geochemistry is strongly encouraging the community to consider nominating deserving colleagues. We stress that recognition of excellence is highly significant to a scientist’s career but in practice, what does it really mean? To answer this question, we asked some of our recent medallists what did their award change for them.

I was greatly honoured to receive the 2016 Houtermans award and the fantastic opportunity to go to Yokohama to give my medal talk (including a warm citation from Daniel Conley), receive the award from Liane Benning, and meet the EAG committee in person. The award has really sparked interest in my work. I received so many congratulations from the geochemistry community, from throughout the University of Bristol and the wider UK science community; the news was even picked up by the universities where I did my undergraduate and graduate studies! And, of course, social media, meant the news reached colleagues abroad, friends and family.

 

Kate Hendry, University of Bristol
2016 Houtermans Award medallist

Being recognized by the members of the society for one`s work is definitely an extraordinary satisfying moment. Although the primary goal of my research is not to win recognition from any professional society, such an award is undoubtedly and inspiration to continue research with more vigor and enthusiasm.

 

Klaus Mezger, University of Bern
2016 Urey Award medallist

Being made Geochemistry Fellow was, first and foremost, a validation of one’s effort from colleagues – this is priceless. It is also a down payment on future effort; I can’t think of a better encouragement to do better. Externally, it is one more piece of reassurance to those who supported me through my long and very tortuous path, starting from very humble beginnings in my native Eritrea, that their effort was not totally in vain. My University media made a big deal of it which, here again, helps encourage continued support of my lab. I am very grateful to my geochemistry community.

 

Yemane Asmerom, University of New Mexico
2016 Geochemical Fellow

I think that the award made a big difference to my career. A lot more people got to know my work because of this, even people outside the geochemistry community. The award also brought more funding opportunities to me.

 

Liping Qin, University of Science and Technology of China
2014 Houtermans Award medallist

professional fronts. It is very satisying to discover, unambiguously, that your work is valued by the colleagues who know and understand it the best. Research should yield its own satisfaction but learning it has broader interest is undoubtedly pleasing. Employers are also always delighted to know you are respected by the community and this greatly helps to make the case for keeping costly geochemical infrastructure running. Finally the idea of the Fellowship is a heartening notion and I feel privilaged to be part of it.

 

Tim Elliott, University of Bristol
2015 Geochemical Fellow

As these testimonies show, receiving an award does make a significant difference so please consider making a nomination for one of the EAG Awards, which recognise scientists at all stages of their career. You can find all the information here.
We thank you in advance for your time and generosity.