J. Willis Ambrose Medal

J. Willis Ambrose Medal

The Ambrose medal, named after the first GAC® President, J. Willis Ambrose, is awarded to an individual for sustained dedicated service to the Canadian earth science community.

J. Willis Ambrose Medallist

 

2025 Ambrose Medalist

Dr. Kurt Konhauser

 

Awarded for his transformative contributions to the Canadian Earth Science community, which have advanced Canada as a global leader in geobiology, and for championing the development of early career researchers.

Dr. Kurt Konhauser is a Professor at the Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. For nearly three decades, Dr. Konhauser has made significant service contributions to the Canadian earth sciences community and the Geological Association of Canada. His efforts have been instrumental in positioning Canada as a global leader in geobiology, promoting the advancement of early career researchers, and enhancing public understanding of the field. Kurt’s visionary and transformative initiatives include founding of the journal Geobiology, establishing the Geobiology Society, and launching the biennial Banff Geobiology Conferences, which have become cornerstones of the global geobiology community. He has also served five times as a panel member for the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, including an extra two years during Covid due to his experience, furthering the development of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, geochemistry, and geology within Canada. One of Dr. Konhauser’s most profound contributions lies in his mentorship of early career researchers. He has directly mentored over 90 students or postdoctoral researchers and provided guidance, insights, and active collaboration to many others across Canada. His influence extends locally, nationally, and internationally, with his research and educational efforts earning recognition through numerous awards. Through his long-standing commitment and dedicated service to advancing geobiology, Dr. Kurt Konhauser has helped define Canada as a global hub for the field, with his impact resonating across the country.

 

The deadline for National Medal nomination forms will be in 2026

 

Previous Award Winners

2021       Robert Raeside

2020       Joseph Hodych

2019       Carolyn Anglin

2018       Peter T. Bobrowsky

2017       Stephen T. Johnston

2016       Scott Swinden

2015       Sandra Barr

2014       Brendan Murphy

2013       Simon Hanmer

2012       John Clague

2011       Grant Abbott

2010       Brian Jones

2009       Ed Debicki

2008       Frank Blackwood

2007       Robert F. Martin

2006       Graham Williams

2005       Godfrey S. Nowlan

2004       Ian McIlreath

2003       Mary-Claire Ward

2002       Roger Macqueen

2001       D. St-Onge

2000       G.D. Williams

1999       A. Achab

1998       N. W. Rutter

1997       A. V. Morgan

1996       W. A. Padgham

1995       G. D. Mossop

1994       B. S. Norford

1993       H. C. Morris

1992       Not Awarded

1991       C. R. Barnes

1990       H. Gabrielse

1989       W. G. E. Caldwell

1988       J. G. Fyles

1987       A. Sutherland-Brown

1986       E. R. W. Neale