IMA Medal
The IMA Medal for Excellence in Mineralogical Research was created by a decision of the Council in 2006. The medal was awarded in 2008, 2009 and biennially in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Beginning in 2017, the IMA medal is awarded annually.
The IMA Medal is awarded for scientific excellence and eminence, as represented by long-term outstanding scientific publication in the field of mineralogical sciences. It is to be considered as one of the pre-eminent awards in mineralogical research, and represents a life-time achievement award. The length of the candidate’s publication list is less significant than the quality of his or her contribution(s). The mineralogical sciences are broadly defined and the candidate need not qualify as a mineralogist. Rather, his or her published record should be related to the mineralogical sciences and should make some outstanding contribution to them. All endeavors are equally suitable for the award: mineralogy, geochemistry, petrology, crystallography, and applied mineralogy. The award is made without regard to nationality and gender. Membership in a mineralogical society is not a necessary prerequisite to receive the award.
The IMA medal, 40 mm in diameter, is of fine silver (pure silver) and weighs 62.2 g (2 oz. Troy). It shows the IMA logo on the front, and the inscription “For Excellence in Mineralogical Research” as well as the recipient’s name and the date of the award on the back.
How to submit a nomination?
Nominators, either individual members of a mineralogical society or group, or a National Representative of a mineralogical society or group, must submit complete nomination packages by April 1, each year. This deadline will also be announced in Elements and on the IMA website.
Nominations for the award consist of a package including:
- A checklist for IMA Medal nomination, available here as DOC or PDF file.
- A cover letter from the nominator outlining the candidate’s qualifications in the light of the criteria for the award.
- Supporting letters from at least three (3) but no more than five (5) other individuals. These should focus on how the candidate meets the criteria of the award.
- A complete curriculum vitae and a bibliography of published works exclusive of abstracts, book reviews, and papers that have not yet been accepted for publication.
The nominator should collect the documents listed in the checklist, in particular the letters of support provided by sponsors. The nomination package should be a single electronic file, preferably as a PDF. The nominator should send the package to the Chair of the IMA medal committee. The title of the email should include the name of the nominee. Nominations can be carried over to following years if the nomination package is updated by the nominator. Any nomination not renewed after 4 years will not be considered further.
The award shall be made without regard to nationality and gender. Membership in a mineralogical society is not a necessary prerequisite to receive the award. Nominations cannot come directly from members of the IMA Medal Committee or the IMA Council, nor can these members be nominated for the Medal. Current members of the IMA Medal Committee nor the IMA Council cannot support nominations.