International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG)

John W. Geissman

is awarded the Geoethics Medal 2020

"In recognition of career-long dedication to the highest ethical standards and practices of the geoscience profession, John W. Geissman has earned recognition as the IAPG 2020 Geoethics medalist. He has demonstrated this commitment to geoethics in his work with international geoscience professional societies by applying the highest standards of research and publication through his leadership as Editor/Associate Editor of the Geological Society of America Bulletin, Journal of Geophysical Research, Tectonics, and EOS, and as Councilor and Past President of the Geological Society of America. Geissman’s contributions to the profession are recognized by his Fellowship in both the Geological Society of America and the American Geophysical Union. He has imparted the importance of geoethics to generations of students as he has played a leading role in incorporating geoethics training for undergraduate students in the geoscience curriculum, and through his mentorship of over 70 graduate students, from the Colorado School of Mines, to the University of New Mexico, to, finally, the University of Texas at Dallas. His work has extended beyond the geosciences to address issues of contemporary concern such as the teaching of evolution in public schools, and has proactively addressed the importance of conveying the importance of science to society and removing ignorance and fear of science from society. Through his dedication to the highest standards of professional conduct, application of the geosciences in service to society, and concern for the long-term stewardship of Earth, John W. Geissman has lived the ideals defined by the International Association for Promoting Geoethics, and is most deserving of the 2020 Geoethics Medal."

John W. Geissman has graduate studies at the University of Michigan (1974) and is a researcher of the highest order, applying the methods of paleomagnetism and rock magnetism to “big questions” in geoscience including studies of the tectonic evolution of the western United States, central and southern Mexico, and the Himalayas, the Karoo intrusive suite (South Africa), paleomagnetism and magnetostratigraphy of Permian/Triassic strata in west Texas and the Karoo Basin, South Africa, and western China, Xinjiang Province, and studies of magnetic fabrics of igneous rocks using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility/anisotropy of magnetic remanence methods. A common thread in this body of research is an absolute commitment to the integrity of data, data products, and their interpretations. In this research, John has selflessly shared his experience and results in numerous collaborative research projects, and has invited students and colleagues to work with him in his state-of-the-art paleomagnetism laboratory. John has long served the geoscience professions as Editor/Associate Editor of the Geological Society of America Bulletin, Journal of Geophysical Research, most recently Tectonics, and EOS, and as Councilor and Past President of the Geological Society of America. John was one of the early innovators who has advocated for inclusion of geoethics instruction into classes across the geoscience curriculum—an essential contribution to the long-term health and growth of the geoscience professions. And, John has addressed the persistent issues of diversity and equity in the geosciences, particularly as these affect women and people from underrepresented populations.

Geoethics Medal recipients