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