Recognising Excellence in Research and Outstanding Service

An important SCAR activity is recognition of excellence in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research and outstanding service to the international Antarctic community, both of which are critical to advancing SCAR's vision and mission. Peer recognition is a way of rewarding and highlighting those who exemplify the best of the Antarctic community and serve as models for the next generation. SCAR created the medals to provide this recognition.  The Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research and the Medal for International Coordination were first awarded in 2006, with the Medal for Education and Communication being added for 2018. To encourage nominations and ensure an open, fair and transparent selection process, recipients of the medals are selected by committee.

An additional award is the SCAR President's Medal for Outstanding Achievement.  The recipient is chosen by the outgoing SCAR President, who awards it on stepping down from office.

Details about the award criteria and the selection process for the Medals for Excellence in Research, International Coordination, and Education and Communication can be found on the Detailed Information page.

Applications for the 2022 SCAR Medals are now closed.