Nominations for AGU's 2023 Union Awards, Medals and Prizes are open until 12 April
23 January 2023
AGU press office:
Samson Reiny, (202) 998-8654, [email protected] (UTC-4 hours)
WASHINGTON—AGU, the world’s largest association for Earth and space scientists, opened the nomination cycle on Monday for its annual award for climate communications — the newly renamed Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize.
The Climate Communications Prize was established in 2011 to recognize a scientist for outstanding communication of climate science, including the promotion of scientific literacy and efforts to foster respect and understanding of science-based values, particularly around climate change. Previous winners have included Katharine Hayhoe, Michael E. Mann, Gavin Schmidt and Scott Denning.
A newly created endowment from Pavel S. Molchanov will provide a permanent source of funding to support the monetary award accompanying the prize, which is named in his honor for perpetuity.
“Climate scientists have the urgent and sometimes grim responsibility of educating the public about how the climate crisis is changing our planet,” said Pavel S. Molchanov, Managing Director and Research Analyst specializing in Renewable Energy and Clean Technology at Raymond James & Associates. “Policymakers, businesses, and all of us as individuals rely on this work to enable climate mitigation as well as adaptation efforts. I am glad to support the scientific community’s efforts to inform, warn and mobilize people to take action. ”
“More than ever, the threat of climate change compels scientists to educate and engage the public about their scientific findings and about science at large,” said Randy W. Fiser, CEO of AGU. “Awardees of the Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize are role models for effective science communication that drives change, and AGU is thrilled that the funding for this honor has been secured on a permanent basis.”
The Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize is a part of the AGU Union Awards, Medals and Prizes program, which recognizes the brightest and most innovative people in Earth and space science, including those who excel at communicating its importance. Last year, AGU recognized 174 individuals for their achievements during the 2022 Award Showcase at AGU Fall Meeting 2022 in Chicago.
All nominations will be open until 12 April. AGU encourages all members to consider nominating qualified colleagues, mentors, peers or students. The AGU Honors and Recognition Committee is committed to leading a program that recognizes the diversity of achievements in Earth and space sciences. AGU welcomes nominations of scientists from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
***
AGU (www.agu.org) is a global community supporting more than half a million advocates and professionals in Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.
***