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The following awards are given out annually at the Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference (AUGC).
You can view the most recent winners, or see winners from previous years.
To be considered for an award, please visit the conferences and events page for details on how to register for upcoming conferences.
Science Atlantic Undergraduate Research Award
Science Atlantic Science Communication Award
The Science Atlantic Undergraduate Research Award and the Science Atlantic Science Communication Award are offered at each of the annual Science Atlantic-sponsored student conferences.
Science Atlantic Best Paper Award
The Science Atlantic Presentation and Communication Award is given for the best overall student paper on any geoscience topic presented orally at the annual AUGC (Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference).
Judging
The award is judged primarily on the basis of the scientific quality of the topic, the amount of original work done by the student, and his/her understanding of the subject.
Evaluation criteria include:
- Abstract – Clear statement of problem, objectives, principal findings
- Presentation – Clarity, visual aids, organization
- Scientific merit – Experimental design, innovative approach, and interpretation of data
- Understanding – Overall knowledge and response to questions
The award will be judged by a panel of at least 3 qualified judges with diverse geoscience expertise as described under judging above.
The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize ($500 in 2015) and letter of commendation for the presenter, as well as a plaque which resides at the winner’s university for one year, after which the winner’s university is responsible for bringing the plaque to the next annual conference. The award is usually presented by a representative of the Science Atlantic Earth Science Committee at the annual banquet of the AUGC.
Sponsor Information
This award (previously known from 2004-2012 as the APICS-NSERC Award) is the AUGC version of the Science Atlantic Undergraduate Research Award and Communication Award offered at all Science Atlantic-sponsored conferences. The Communication part of the award is also sponsored by Science Atlantic. A separate Communication Award is not offered at AUGC.
Imperial Oil Best Poster Award
The Imperial Oil Best Poster Award is given to the student presenting the best overall student poster on any topic at the annual AUGC.
Judging
The award is judged primarily on the basis of the scientific quality of the topic, the amount of original work done by the student, and his/her understanding of the subject.
Evaluation criteria include:
- Abstract – Clear statement of problem, objectives, principal findings
- Poster design – Clarity, organization, visual appeal
- Scientific merit – Experimental design, innovative approach, and interpretation of data
- Understanding – Overall knowledge and response to questions
The award will be judged by a panel of at least 3 qualified judges with diverse geoscience expertise as described under judging above. When a representative of Imperial Oil is present, he/she will take the lead in judging this award.
The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize for the student presenter.
Sponsor Information
This award has been sponsored by Imperial Oil since 2007. Imperial Oil recognizes that business success depends on the economic, social and environmental health of the communities where they operate and views community investment not simply as a responsibility but as an essential component in building a strong society. Imperial Oil gives back to local communities through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer efforts and supports scientific research with a number of awards and sponsorship.
Canadian Energy Geoscience Association (CEGA) Award
(Formerly known as the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG) Award)
The Canadian Energy Geoscience Association Award is awarded annually for the best presentation of a petroleum geology-related paper at the annual AUGC. If the winner of the Science Atlantic Best Paper Award gave a petroleum geology-based presentation, then the CEGA Award will go to the petroleum geology-based paper judged to be next best.Judging
The award will be judged by a panel of at least three qualified judges with diverse geoscience expertise. When a CEGA representative is present, he/she will take the lead in judging for the award.The Award
A plaque is presented to the winner at the AUGC banquet as well as a monetary prize, preferably by a CEGA member or representative. The plaque will reside at the winner’s university until the next AUGC, when the winner’s university is responsible for bringing the plaque to the next conference.Sponsor
This award is sponsored by the Canadian Energy Geoscience Association. Since 1927, the Canadian Energy Geoscience Association (CEGA), formerly known as the CSPG, has been a member-based association committed to fostering geoscientists’ professional development throughout their careers. The goals of the Association are to:- Advance the scientific, technical and professional development opportunities of our members
- Promote geoscience in Canada as it relates to energy development
- Develop a sense of community for all Energy Geoscientists
Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) Award
Established in 2008, the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) award is given to the student who presents the best overall geophysics paper at the AUGC conference. It is typically awarded for an oral presentation, however, poster presentations are also eligible. Geophysics is a diverse discipline with many different areas of study, and this award could be awarded to any student whose work falls under this broad category.
Judging
Students will be evaluated on the scientific merit of their work, their general understanding of the material covered and their ability to effectively communicate this to the judges. This award will be judged by the panel of judges chosen by the conference organizers. Ideally one of these judges should have a geophysics background. The CSEG will typically send representatives to attend the conference so if a geophysics judge cannot be found locally then one of these representatives may be asked to judge. The award may not be presented if the judges and the CSEG representatives determine that no presentation fulfills the spirt of the award.
The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize ($500 in 2015) for the student presenter, as well as a plaque which resides at the winner’s university for one year, after which the winner’s university is responsible for bringing the plaque to the next annual conference. The award is usually presented by CSEG’s representative at the annual banquet of the AUGC. The monetary prize of $500 comes from the funds ($4,500 in 2015), the CSEG commits to the conference. It is a responsibility of the school that hosts the conference to prepare and distribute a cheque for the winning presenter.
Sponsor Information
The Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists began in 1949 at around the time of the petroleum production boom of the Leduc and Redwater discoveries. As a result of these significant discoveries, there was a need for increased knowledge, skill and professional attributes in the field of geophysics. Today, the CSEG is a thriving organization. CSEG’s mandate is to promote the science of geophysics among its members, especially as it applies to exploration, and to promote fellowship and co-operation among those persons interested in geophysical prospecting.
The Frank S. Shea Memorial Award
The Frank S. Shea Memorial Award honours the student making the best presentation regarding an aspect of or with implications for economic or applied geology. If the winner of the Science Atlantic Best Paper Award gives an economic or applied geology presentation, then the Shea Award will go to the economic or applied geology presentation judged to be next best.
About Frank Shea
During some 27 years, Frank Shea was engaged in mineral resources exploration and development activities in the Atlantic region. For more than 10 years he served as Chief Geologist and division director of the Mineral Resources and Geological Services Division in the former Nova Scotia Department of Mines.
Frank graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1954 with a BSc in geology. He continued his studies at Dalhousie University, receiving his Master’s degree in 1958. Frank had a great love for his native province and promoted its welfare by assisting mineral exploration and research projects whenever and wherever he could. He was a strong supporter of educational programs in geology such as the geology field school at Crystal Cliffs near Antigonish and prospector training.
Judging
Student papers are reviewed and judged for content in economic or applied geology or implications for economic/applied geology by a panel of practicing geologists. For practical purposes, this will be done the same panel of judges as evaluates the other awards. If there are no papers on economic or applied geology deemed worthy during the annual AUGC, the award may not be given.
The Award
The award consists of a cheque ($500 in 2015) for the winning student and a $100 cheque for the geoscience club that the student represents.
Sponsor
The Frank Shea Memorial Award is sponsored by the Mining Society of Nova Scotia. Organized in the 1890s to promote the mineral industry, to share technical knowledge and to encourage fellowship, this Society was one of the founding members of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM), the premier mining organization in Canada. The Society is pleased to support this award honouring a student, the contributions of Frank Shea, and the economic impact of geology on the Canadian economy.