IAGA Shen Kuo Award
History
In 2006, to add balance to the small list of IAGA awards, the EC decided to prepare the case for the establishment of a new medal for outstanding interdisciplinary contributions to IAGA science. The aim is to recognize well-known prominent scientists who, by the nature of their activities, do not qualify for the Long Service Medal. (IAGA News 43, 2006)
Shen Kuo (1031-1095)
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Shen Kuo was a Chinese scientist and statesman of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). His talents and contributions extended to almost every field of learning. He was a gifted mathematician, astronomer, earth scientist and poet. He provided the first account of a suspended magnet compass; the concept of magnetic poles; understanding of declination (magnetic poles are not at geographic poles); the concept of true north; and the discovery of dip. |
Eligibility
Nominees for the Award should be internationally recognized scientists active in several fields of research, some of which are supported by IAGA (paraphrased from IAGA News 48).
Procedure
Nominations should come from at least one of the following:
- 3 Working Groups from at least 2 Divisions
- 2 Divisions
- 1 Division and 1 Interdivisional Commission
The nominations may be supported by scientific bodies outside of IAGA. Nominations should be submitted to the IAGA Secretary General.
Decisions are made by the IAGA Executive Committee.
Recipients of the Shen Kuo Award for Interdisciplinary Achievements
| Name | Country | Year of Award | Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nils Olsen | Denmark | 2023 | IAGA News 60 |
| Jay Johnson | USA | 2021 | IAGA News 58 |
| Catherine Johnson | Canada | 2019 | IAGA News 56 |
| Jeffrey Forbes | USA | 2017 | IAGA News 54 |
| Daniel Baker | USA | 2015 | IAGA News 52 |
| Jean-Louis Le Mouël | France | 2013 | IAGA News 50 |
