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
2026 Ambrose Medalist: Dr. Kathryn Bethune
Dr. Kathryn Bethune (P. Geo) is a Professor of Precambrian Geology at the University of Regina, whose research in structural geology and tectonics has helped to advance our understanding of the evolution of the Canadian Shield (Laurentia), and particularly the Rae craton. This research has provided novel insights into the Paleoproterozoic Taltson and Grenville orogens, as well as uranium mineralization in the Athabasca Basin. Beyond her research, however, Dr. Bethune has made substantial contributions in serving the Canadian Earth Sciences across all levels –institutional, provincial, and national over the past 25 years. Her dedication to service has been exemplary and has taken many forms, including having served as a department head at the University of Regina; and being an active and engaged member of the Geological Association of Canada (GAC) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). As a member of GAC, Dr Bethune has served as a councillor for the Canadian Tectonics Group, and on the GAC executive as Vice-President, President, and Past President from 2018-2021. In addition to these prominent roles, Dr. Bethune has been an Associate Editor for both the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences and Precambrian Research and has been recognized as an outstanding reviewer by both Lithosphere and the Geological Society of America Bulletin. Beyond her editorial contributions, Dr. Bethune has served as a member of the panels for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Discovery Grants and Research Prizes. Dr. Bethune has been actively involved with both the APEGS Student Development Committee and the Saskatchewan section of the Canadian Geoscience Education Network. Further to these roles, Dr. Bethune has served the Canadian Earth Sciences community by being an outstanding mentor to a wide array of undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. These are students that are now having an impact in academia, government, and industry in Canada and beyond. The Earth Science community in Canada has benefited greatly from Dr. Bethune’s research, training of students, and sustained, dedicated service across many levels.
The deadline for National Medal nomination forms will be in 2027
Previous Award Winners
2025 Kurt Konhauser
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