Boulder, Colorado—The Geological Society of America (GSA) announced that Ester Sztein, the society’s Director of International Programs, has been named the recipient of the American Geosciences Institute’s (AGI) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences. The honor recognizes individuals and organizations whose efforts measurably strengthen public appreciation of geoscience and its relevance to everyday life.
Presented annually, the award highlights work that helps communities understand how Earth science supports societal resilience. That includes clarifying the geoscience role in addressing major economic, environmental, and public-safety challenges—from hazards and resource stewardship to climate and land-use planning.
Sztein’s selection reflects a career focused on expanding access to geoscience education and building international bridges across scientific communities. GSA credits her leadership and advocacy with translating research and expertise into outreach that connects global audiences to how geoscientists interpret Earth systems.
Her geosciences experience includes more than 16 years at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), where she held a range of responsibilities. In one of her key roles as Acting Director of the Board on International Scientific Organizations, she supported activities connected to the U.S. National Committees for four geoscience international scientific unions.
Through this work, Sztein helped coordinate scientific engagement across borders—an approach that matters for disciplines that depend on shared datasets, standardized methods, and coordinated hazard and observation efforts. Such collaboration supports more comparable findings and accelerates progress in interpreting complex planetary processes.
In addition to her work at GSA, she serves as Vice President for North America of the International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (ProGEO). That role emphasizes protecting geologically significant sites and communicating why geological heritage is essential for research, education, and cultural understanding.
GSA’s Interim Executive Director and CEO Bridgette Moore said, “We are proud to have Ester as a member of the GSA team and grateful for the impact she continues to make on our profession and our global community.” Her recognition is expected to amplify momentum around public-facing geoscience initiatives.
Sztein expressed gratitude for the award, noting that it recognizes the value of nurturing both the U.S. and international geoscience community and strengthening its relationship with society. She described the work as especially meaningful in light of the need for informed public understanding of Earth processes.
The AGI award presentation will take place during the Friends of AGI reception on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at GSA Connects 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA.
About the Geological Society of America: GSA is a global professional society with more than 18,000 members in over 100 countries. It advances understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes and fosters collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers, publishing Geology and a broad portfolio of journals, books, and conference proceedings.
Subject of Research: Public understanding of the geosciences
Article Title: Ester Sztein Receives AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences
News Publication Date: 11 October 2026 (award presentation); publication date not provided
Web References: https://www.americangeosciences.org/awards/publicunderstanding/ ; https://connects.geosociety.org/
References: News content provided in the prompt
Image Credits: Not provided
Keywords: geoscience outreach, public understanding, international collaboration, Earth science education, geological heritage, GSA, AGI
