J. Tuzo Wilson Medal

John Tuzo Wilson (October 24, 1908 – April 15, 1993) was a Canadian geophysicist and geologist who achieved worldwide acclaim for his contributions to the theory of plate tectonics. The founder of the CGU, he was also a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of the British Empire, and a Fellow of the Royal Society, of the Royal Society of Canada, and of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

The J. Tuzo Wilson Medal is given annually to recognize scientists who make outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge in any research area of the Union (i.e., Solid Earth, Biogeosciences, Geodesy, Hydrology, or Earth Surface Processes). Factors considered in the selection process include excellence in scientific or technical research, instrument development, industrial applications, and/or teaching.

At a minimum, the nomination should be supported by letters of recommendation from colleagues, a brief biographical sketch, and the nominee’s CV. Recent nominations have included a nomination letter summarizing the outstanding contributions of the nominee, and at least six letters of recommendation from renowned Canadian and international colleagues. See here for a good indication of the content of a successful nomination letter.

Nominations should be submitted by December 12 of the year prior to the Annual Scientific Meeting.

Past Wilson Medalists