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 2027
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
Chris King Medal Winner 2025: Dr. Amelia Calonge
Meet the 2025 Chris King Medallist: Dr. Amelia Calonge
Prof. Amelia Calonge García is a distinguished Spanish geologist and paleontologist, has been awarded the IUGS-COGE Chris King Medal for Excellence in Geoscience Education 2025 in recognition of her outstanding global contributions to the field.
Her career is defined by an unwavering commitment to geoscience education, outreach, and teacher training. A visionary leader, Prof. Calonge has been instrumental in shaping competitive earth science education, notably through her pivotal role in the Spanish Geology Olympiad and as a co-founder of the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO).
Prof. Calonge earned her degree in Geological Sciences in 1984 from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), where she also completed her PhD in Paleontology in 1989. Her doctoral thesis, Biostratigraphy of the Cenomanian of the Iberian Range Using Benthic Foraminifera, conducted under the supervision of Manuel Segura Redondo and Álvaro García Quintana, laid the foundation for a career dedicated to scientific rigor. Currently, her work focuses on the didactics of experimental sciences as a member of the research group ICC Investiga, Crea, Construye at the University of Alcalá. This group bridges educational stages, fostering meaningful engagement across diverse scientific disciplines.
We celebrate Prof. Calonge’s enduring impact on how geology is taught and understood. For those interested in exploring her pedagogical vision and her perspective on the future of geoscience teaching, we invite you to watch her COGE YouTube Interview.
Meet the 2023 Chris King Medallist: Dr. Hector Lacreu
Dr. Héctor Luis Lacreu, was recognized with the IUGS Chris King Medal 2023 for his transformative contributions to geoscience education across Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 1996, Dr. Lacreu championed innovative teaching methods that prioritized fieldwork over traditional laboratory experiments, utilizing the local landscape to engage students through his groundbreaking “geological alphabet.”
His commitment to hands-on learning was exemplified by the “COPLA” project at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina, where he coordinated the creation of interactive tools and “geolodactic suitcases” for local schools. His influence resonated throughout Argentina’s natural science curricula, which integrated an enriched geoscience section under his guidance.
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. 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.