About the Prize

The Canada Prize for Earth Science is an international award that honours individuals and teams whose research, discoveries, or leadership have significantly advanced our understanding of the Earth, its systems, and its place in the universe.

Created by a group of Canadian Earth Scientists and supported by the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES), the Prize recognizes the critical value of the Earth Sciences to society and the role Canada has played in global geoscience leadership.

The Prize consists of a substantial monetary award and a gold medal, presented in Canada, accompanied by a public lecture delivered by the laureate. The medal’s materials and design reflect both Canada’s geological richness and the global significance of Earth Science.

The Canada Prize medal features Canadian gold with a central inlay of Canadian jade. These materials underscore the nation’s geological heritage and symbolize the Prize’s commitment to recognizing transformative contributions to Earth Science.

History

The Canada Prize originated with members of the Canadian Geoscience Council, who recognized that despite numerous scientific awards, there was no global honour equivalent to the Nobel Prize for the Earth Sciences.

In response, the Council established an initiative to create a world-class, endowed award that would recognize transformative contributions to our understanding of the planet and its systems.

Structure & Governance

The Prize is overseen by two foundations:

  • The Canada Prize Foundation — manages endowment and vision.

  • The Canada Prize Awards Foundation — administers the prize and selection process.

Foundations’ Directors:

Ron Larson (President), Tom Sneddon (Vice President), Jennifer Welsh (Secretary/Treasurer), Ian Thomson, Scott Swinden, Greg Finn, Hendrik Falck.

The Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES) serves as the patron organization for the initiative.

“The Blue Marble” photograph from Apollo 17 transformed how humanity sees our planet. Its portrayal of Earth as a single, interconnected system directly inspired elements of the Canada Prize medal design.

Image credit: NASA / Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 mission (1972).