RMAG Awards
The Honors and Awards program of RMAG provides a means for recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions by professional geologists, especially in the area of exploration for petroleum and energy mineral resources, and by other professionals who further the goals and objectives of our science, our profession, and our Association.
The RMAG Honors and Awards consists of nominated and self-application programs.
Awards
Honorary Member
Honorary Member is bestowed upon persons who have distinguished themselves by their service and devotion to the science and profession of petroleum geology and/or to the Association. Recognized with lifetime membership this award is generally for members, but open to outstanding nonmembers.
Michael S. Johnson Outstanding Explorer
The Michael S. Johnson Outstanding Explorer Award is Given in recognition to an RMAG member of distinguished and outstanding achievement in exploration for petroleum or mineral resources. Recognition for a lifetime of work or a for a recent discovery. The award may be granted to an individual or group. Only one award is granted annually.
Outstanding Scientist
The Outstanding Scientist award is given to an RMAG member that has conducted or reported outstanding earth science studies either recently or throughout their career.
Distinguish Service to RMAG
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to members who have distinguished themselves in singular and beneficial long-term service to RMAG. This award is open to RMAG members.
Distinguished Public Service to Earth Science
The Distinguished Public Service to Earth Science Award is presented to members who have distinguished themselves in singular and beneficial long-term service to the advancement and understanding of Earth Science. This award is open to members and non-members.
Geosciences in the Media
The Geosciences in the Media Award is given to a person in recognition of notable journalistic achievement in any medium which contributes to public understanding of geology, energy resources, or the technology of oil and gas exploration. This award is open to members and non-members.
Best Outcrop Article
Selected from the previous year’s Outcrop lead articles by a jury comprised of the editorial board, recognizes the outstanding research and writing from the previous year.
Best Outcrop Cover Photo
Open to the public, a voting period is open for people to select their favorite cover photo from the past year.
Best Mountain Geologist Article
Selected from the previous year’s Mountain Geologist papers, a jury comprised of past Mountain Geologist authors and editors, reviews the published papers and recognizes the top peer reviewed paper from the previous year.
Teacher of the Year
In collaboration with the RMAG Foundation this award is selected by the RMAG Foundation Board to recognize outstanding educators in the K-12 school.
Jury Composition
Recipients of the awards are selected by a five-person jury comprised of the RMAG President (past/present/elect may fill the position), previous recipient or member of the RMAG Foundation, and three additional active members of the Association. This jury will oversee the selection of the recipients for Honorary Member, Michael S. Johnson Outstanding explorer, Outstanding Scientist, Distinguished Service to RMAG, Distinguished Public Service to Earth Science, and Geosciences in the Media. They will be tasked with evaluating the submissions based on the requirements met and supplemental materials. In the event there are no qualified applicants for recognition the jury may choose to forgo selection of a recipient in any given year.
Awards determined by other juries include the Best Outcrop Paper, Best Outcrop Cover Photo, and the Best Mountain Geologist Paper. Details of their jury and selection are found with their description.
Serving on the RMAG Honors and Awards jury is a great way to serve the association. We are always looking for potential jurors willing to serve 1 to 3 years as a member of this committee. Potential Jurors should be in good standing with the association. Jurors are not eligible to apply for or be nominated for any of the awards they are deciding on. A typical year consists of reviewing between a dozen and twenty applications total for the programs in advance of a singular jury meeting, typically an afternoon to decide the recipients. Once the receipts have been selected assisting in drafting the recognition concludes the annual service. It’s a great opportunity to get involved with the association on a limited time basis. Please email staff@rmag.org with your interest.