The prize is awarded biannually since 2023 to commemorate the life and work of professor Chris King, a leading figure in the global geoscience education community, and his significant achievements in the advancement of the field worldwide. The award encourages educators to continue working towards the improvement of the quality of geoscience education at national and international levels.
Purpose
This award honors the legacy of the late Professor Chris King, by recognizing educators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to advancing the quality of Geoscience education at all levels. It is intended to inspire the next generation of geoscience educators by highlighting individuals whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, innovation in educational practices, dedication to service, and adherence to strong ethical values.
Recipients of the award have a minimum of 10 years of continuous contribution to the field, playing a key role in strengthening geoscience outreach, training future professionals and technicians, and advancing public understanding of Earth sciences on a national and international scale. They serve as role models within the global geoscience education community.
How to nominate candidates for the Chris King Medal 2025
Candidates for the Chris King Medal must be nominated by an IUGS member.
The nominator should fill out the nomination form and submit it via email to contact_iugscoge@iugscoge.org, with the subject “Nomination for the Chris King Medal”, and attaching the documents included in its checklist.
Nominations will be reviewed by an international panel of experts in the field of geoscience education.
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
Eligible candidates must be current or retired geoscience educators with at least 10 years of experience. Candidates will be evaluated based on their exceptional contributions. Detailed Guidelines for Nominations including Eligibility and Criteria are available in the following ToR.
Our Distinguished Medalists
Meet the 2023 Chris King Medallist: Dr. Hector Lacreu
Photography: Dr. Héctor Lacreu (2023)
Dr. Héctor Luis Lacreu, a visionary geologist and educator, has been recognized with the prestigious Chris King Medal 2023 for his transformative contributions to geoscience education. Since 1996, Dr. Lacreu has championed innovative teaching methods that prioritize fieldwork experiences over traditional lab experiments.
Dr Lacreu introduced a groundbreaking approach, leveraging the local geological landscape to engage students in reconstructing its historical evolution using his unique “geological alphabet.” Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Lacreu has enriched educational resources. Notably, through the “COPLA” project at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina, he coordinated the creation of thematic educational posters to hang in classrooms, interactive tools, and educational kits known as “valijas geolodácticas.” These resources are available to all schools in San Luis, underscoring his dedication to hands-on learning.
His impact resonates in Argentina’s revised natural science curricula, which have prominently integrated an enriched geoscience section since 1996. His works is palpable not just in Argentina but also across Latin America and beyond, evidenced by the widespread international consultations of his publications.
Besides his academic endeavours, Dr Lacreu’s leadership in various national and international projects is commendable. Among his accolades, the “Juan José Nágera” award in 2017 stands out, recognizing his efforts in popularizing geosciences.
From pioneering the university extension project “COPLA” to establishing the first museum at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Dr. Lacreu’s vision has always been forward-looking. His legacy thrives in his latest venture, the “Geología Ciudadana” (Citizen Geology) blog, where he perpetuates the significance of geology’s role in society, rendering it inclusive and captivating for everyone.
In honouring Dr Lacreu with the Chris King Medal, we celebrate a luminary who has reshaped geoscience education for the better. His work, echoing through classrooms and beyond, will undoubtedly inspire generations of geoscientists.
Presentation of the Award in Argentina
IUGS-COGE Chris King Medal Ceremony 2024 (XXII Argentinian Geological Congress)
Q&A About the Chris King Medal
I. General Information
- Q1: Whom can I contact if I have further questions about the Chris King Medal or the nomination process?
- A: Professor Roberto Greco to our corporate email (iugscoge@gmail.com)
- Q2: What is the Chris King Medal?
- A: The IUGS-COGE Chris King Medal recognizes and rewards outstanding educators who have made significant contributions to the field of geoscience education.
- Q3: What is the purpose of the Chris King Medal?
- A: The medal aims to recognize excellence in geoscience education, inspire innovation, promote geoethics, and support young professionals in the field.
- Q: Is the medal awarded annually?
- A: No, this is a biennial award.
II. Eligibility & Nomination Process
- Q: Who is eligible to be nominated for the Chris King Medal?
- A: Eligible candidates must be geoscience educators with at least 10 years of experience.
- Q: What are the key criteria for evaluation?
- A: Candidates are evaluated based on their professional service, innovative development, and impact in geoscience education.
- Q: Can I nominate myself?
- A: No, an IUGS associate should nominate you
- Q: What is the deadline for nominations for the 2025 medal?
- A: The nomination deadline is 7th of July 2025.
- Q: How do I submit a nomination?
- A: Nominations can be submitted via the official nomination form.
- Q: What materials are required for a nomination?
- A: a CV, letters of recommendation, or a statement of impact are needed.
III. Benefits & Recognition for Medalists
- Q: What does the winner of the Chris King Medal receive?
- A: The winner receives a medal and a platform to showcase their work. They will also be presented on the IUGS-COGE website and at the COGE Session during the International Geological Congress.
- Q: Does the award include a presentation opportunity?
- A: Yes, the winner will have the opportunity to deliver their work through a webinar or workshop.
- Q: How will the winner be recognized publicly?
- A: Beyond the formal presentation, the winner’s achievements will be highlighted on the IUGS-COGE website.
