Boulder, Colo., USA–The Geological Society of America (GSA) is pleased to announce that Ester Sztein, GSA's Director of International Programs, has been selected to receive the American Geosciences Institute's (AGI) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences .
This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual, organization, or institution whose work has significantly advanced public appreciation and understanding of the geosciences and their importance to society. The award recognizes contributions that help people better understand the role geoscience plays in addressing economic, environmental, and societal challenges.
This recognition reflects Sztein’s longstanding commitment to expanding access to geoscience education, fostering international collaboration, and connecting people around the world with the value and relevance of the earth sciences. Through her leadership, dedication, and advocacy, Sztein has helped strengthen the global geoscience community and increase public awareness of the critical role geoscientists play in understanding and addressing some of society's most pressing challenges.
Sztein’s geosciences experience is significant, including more than 16 years at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) where she served in a variety of roles, including Acting Director of the Board on International Scientific Organizations, where, among other activities, she managed the U.S. National Committees for four geoscience international scientific unions. In addition to her work at GSA, she also serves as the vice president for North America of the International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (ProGEO.)
GSA’s Interim Executive Director and CEO Bridgette Moore says, “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.”
Sztein stated that she “is very honored to receive this important award, which recognizes the value of supporting and growing the U.S. and international geoscience community and its relationship with society.”
The award will be presented at the Friends of AGI reception on Sunday, 11 October 2026, during GSA Connects 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA.
About the Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is a global professional society with more than 18,000 members across over 100 countries. As a leading voice for the geosciences, GSA advances the understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and fosters collaboration among scientists, educators, and policymakers. GSA publishes Geology , the top-ranked geoscience journal, along with a diverse portfolio of scholarly journals, books, and conference proceedings—several of which rank among Amazon’s top 100 best-selling geology titles.
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