The American Meteorological Society (AMS), a pivotal organization advancing atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences, has revealed its distinguished roster of awardees for 2026. These honors, recognizing exceptional contributions that span fundamental research, technological innovation, education, and public service, will be celebrated at the 106th AMS Annual Meeting in Houston from January 25 to 29, 2026. This announcement underscores the vibrant and dynamic nature of the weather, water, and climate scientific communities, highlighting the critical role these disciplines play in confronting contemporary environmental challenges.
Among the highest accolades conferred is the Carl-Gustaf Rossby Research Medal, bestowed upon Wayne Schubert for his enduring theoretical investigations into moist atmospheric processes, hurricane dynamics, and geophysical fluid dynamics, with an emphasis on how these complex phenomena are represented within numerical weather and climate models. Schubert’s research enhances predictive capabilities and deepens our fundamental understanding of tropical cyclones and their broader impact on the Earth system.
The Hydrologic Sciences Medal recognizes Martha Anderson’s pioneering research that intricately combines satellite remote sensing with models of soil-plant-atmosphere interactions. This integrative approach addresses critical questions in hydrology, agricultural productivity, and climate interactions, providing vital insights into feedbacks between terrestrial ecosystems and atmospheric processes. Anderson’s work exemplifies how the fusion of observational and modeling techniques can illuminate complex Earth system processes.
Zhengyu Liu’s receipt of the Sverdrup Gold Medal celebrates his transformative contributions to elucidating the coupled ocean-atmosphere system’s dynamics. Liu’s research spans paleoclimate reconstructions, present-day interactions, and future projections, employing multidisciplinary methods that integrate oceanography, atmospheric science, and climate modeling. His work advances our capacity to decipher the ocean’s role in modulating atmospheric variability and climate change.
In the realm of remote sensing applications, Zhanqing Li is honored with the Verner E. Suomi Technology Medal for significant advances in quantifying Earth’s energy budget. Particularly notable is his research on aerosol-cloud interactions, a critical uncertainty in climate science. Li’s innovative utilization of satellite data provides refined estimates of radiative forcing, thereby improving climate model parameterizations and projections.
Tapio Schneider’s pioneering investigations into atmospheric dynamics and climate change modeling are recognized through the Jule G. Charney Medal. Schneider’s leadership in developing novel climate models facilitates better representation of complex processes such as convection, turbulence, and cloud feedbacks, which are essential for understanding climate sensitivity and variability on multiple scales.
William Brune is awarded the Warren Washington Research and Leadership Medal for his groundbreaking advances in atmospheric chemistry. His work bridges vertical layers of the atmosphere, focusing on chemical processes that influence air quality and climate. Brune’s mentorship and leadership have fostered diversity in atmospheric sciences, amplifying impact beyond research alone.
Among the prominent research prizes, Siegfried Schubert is lauded for new insights into drought variability and predictability in the climate system. By integrating atmospheric circulation analyses and Earth system interactions, Schubert’s work enhances forecasting abilities crucial for managing climate-related risks. Similarly, Chandra V. Chandrasekar receives recognition for advancing weather radar technology, which improves precipitation measurements vital for flood forecasting and water resource management.
The AMS also honors leadership in education and mentorship. Jonathan Kahl’s transformative teaching and global educational initiatives have inspired a generation of atmospheric scientists, exemplifying the Society’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. Harold Brooks is celebrated for mentoring spanning interdisciplinary and international communities, crucial for cultivating collaboration in tackling complex environmental issues.
Service awards emphasize the dedication of individuals such as Wendy Schreiber-Abshire and Renee McPherson, whose efforts in promoting planetary science education, inclusivity, and the translation of weather and climate data to community applications embody the societal relevance of AMS’s mission. These contributions highlight the necessity of effective communication and outreach in ensuring scientific advancements benefit diverse populations.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to applied meteorology, Timothy Loftus’s pioneering use of artificial intelligence in meteorological data production is of particular note. His methods create enhanced, value-added datasets that improve decision-making processes across commercial and governmental sectors, underscoring how AI is revolutionizing environmental data analytics and operational meteorology.
Awards in broadcast meteorology honor those who effectively communicate complex scientific information to the public, thereby fostering public understanding and preparedness. Andrew Humphrey’s nearly three decades of service promoting diversity alongside weather communication illustrate the integration of social equity and scientific outreach in meteorology.
The 2026 AMS Fellows, an elite group elected for sustained and distinguished contributions over years, include diverse experts such as Kristen Averyt, Elizabeth Barnes, and Tapio Schneider. Their collective work spans climate science, atmospheric physics, and related disciplines, signifying the depth and breadth of expertise propelling the field forward.
Lectureship awards further highlight mid-career scientists making substantial impacts through innovative research and public health applications. Armin Sorooshian’s interdisciplinary work in atmospheric chemistry and physics, Amir AghaKouchak’s hydrologic extremes research, and Tiffany Shaw’s climate dynamics studies exemplify cutting-edge approaches to understanding and mitigating environmental risks under changing climatic conditions.
This assembly of awardees reflects the AMS’s comprehensive approach to advancing knowledge, technology, mentoring, and communication across atmospheric and Earth system sciences. Their collective endeavors not only enrich scientific understanding but also enhance society’s resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of global environmental challenges.
As the scientific community anticipates the 106th AMS Annual Meeting, these honors serve as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and collaboration that characterizes the weather, water, and climate sciences. The integration of innovative methodologies—ranging from satellite remote sensing to artificial intelligence and advanced modeling—heralds a new era where predictive accuracy and societal impact grow hand-in-hand.
Through these awards, the AMS not only acknowledges individual achievements but also fosters a culture that values interdisciplinary research, diversity, and the translation of science to societal benefit. As extreme weather events intensify and climate variability poses unprecedented threats, the work of these distinguished professionals becomes all the more vital, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of atmospheric and Earth system science.
Subject of Research: Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanography, Hydrology, Climate Dynamics, Remote Sensing, Atmospheric Chemistry, Meteorology, Earth System Science, Climate Change
Article Title: American Meteorological Society Honors Pioneers Advancing Earth System Science and Climate Resilience in 2026
News Publication Date: January 2026
Web References:
https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/about-ams/ams-awards-honors/2026-award-and-honors-recipients/
https://annual.ametsoc.org/2026/
Keywords: Atmospheric Science, Climate Change, Hydrology, Meteorology, Remote Sensing, Earth System Science, Science Communication, Weather Forecasting, Climate Modeling, Artificial Intelligence in Meteorology, Scientific Mentorship
