Honors and awards
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) awards programs recognize individuals, organizations, educators, innovators, and volunteers whose contributions have advanced the science, profession, and impact of geophysics worldwide. Through a combination of Society-level honors, technical achievement awards, education awards, and Foundation-supported recognition programs, SEG celebrates excellence across research, industry leadership, education, humanitarian service, and volunteerism.
Established Awards of the Society
SEG’s Honors and Awards program reflects the Society’s commitment to advancing geophysics, supporting innovation, promoting service to humanity, and recognizing those who strengthen the global geoscience community. Awards are presented annually during the SEG Honors and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the Society’s Annual Meeting.
The program is administered by the SEG Honors and Awards Committee, which is traditionally composed of five Past Presidents of the Society. The committee reviews nominations submitted by members and the broader geophysical community and makes recommendations to the SEG Board of Directors for approval.
Nominations should be made using the online submission form. Your timely input is vital to this important function of the SEG. If you have any questions, please send them to [email protected].
- The Maurice Ewing Gold Medal
- Honorary Membership
- Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal Award
- Cecil Green Enterprise Award
- Reginald Fessenden Award (formerly Medal Award)
- J. Clarence Karcher Award
- Distinguished Achievement Award
- Life Membership Award
- Special Commendation
- Outstanding Educator Award
- Craig J. Beasley Award for Social Contribution
Presidential Awards
Established in 2008, the SEG Presidential Award is bestowed at the discretion of the SEG president to an individual who is recognized as having contributed outstanding service to the Society.
Achievement Awards
SEG also recognizes excellence in technical publications and presentations through several achievement awards. These awards celebrate innovation in research, technical communication, and advancement of applied geophysics.
Geophysics
The Leading Edge
Interpretation
Annual Meeting
- Best Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting
- Honorable Mentions (Best Paper, Annual Meeting)
- Best Poster Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting
- Honorable Mentions (Best Poster Paper, Annual Meeting)
- Best Paper Presented by a Student at the Annual Meeting
- Awards of Merit (Best Student Paper, Annual Meeting)
- Best Poster Paper Presented by a Student at the Annual Meeting
- Awards of Merit (Best Student Poster Paper, Annual Meeting)
SEG Foundation Awards
SEG Foundation volunteers and donors play a critical role in strengthening the profession and geophysical community. In appreciation of the extensive volunteer involvement and philanthropy of its members and donors, the Foundation may choose to honor these individuals (or organizations) with a special award or recognition for their high level of distinguished service, exemplary accomplishment(s), and/or philanthropy.
Award recommendation(s) received by the Foundation shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee and suitable nominees as submitted to the full SEG Foundation Board of Directors for further consideration. All donor/volunteer special recognition awards must be approved by a favorable majority vote of the Foundation Board.
- Dick Baile Exemplary Service Award (Baile Award)
- SEG Foundation Directors Award
- SEG Foundation Sally Zinke Individual Impact Award
- SEG Foundation Thomas A. and Evonne Smith Corporate Impact Award
Distinguished Lecture Honors
Each year, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) brings the world’s leading geophysical minds directly to the global community—not just to share techniques, but to spark progress in applied geophysics.
Through the support of industry partners and affiliated societies, our distinguished lecturers travel the world to illuminate emerging trends, challenge conventional thinking, and show how today’s breakthroughs become tomorrow’s solutions.