Dr. Ester Sztein Recognized for Expanding Public Understanding of Geoscience
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to name Dr. A. Ester Sztein, Director of International Programs at The Geological Society of America (GSA), as the 2026 recipient of the AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Sztein has transformed how people around the world engage with geoscience by breaking down barriers of culture, geography, and access. Her leadership has connected scientists, educators, students, and institutions across international boundaries, creating new opportunities for collaboration while strengthening public appreciation of Earth science and its importance to society. At GSA, Dr. Sztein has championed a globally engaged vision of geoscience communication, advancing educational initiatives, international partnerships, and public-facing programs that help people better understand the planet as well as the role geoscience plays in addressing societal challenges.
Among her recent accomplishments is the co-publication of the first Spanish-language edition of GSA’s flagship “The Geology of Plate Tectonics” chart, which effectively conveys the foundational unifying framework of modern Earth science. By making one of the discipline’s most widely used educational resources accessible to Spanish-speaking educators, students, and lifelong learners, the project, done in collaboration with representatives from four other geological societies from North America and South America, has significantly expanded access to geoscience knowledge for communities worldwide.
Dr. Sztein also has emerged as a leading voice in geoheritage, helping to elevate the concept as a powerful framework connecting Earth science, education, stewardship, and community identity. Through her leadership with the National Academies’ America’s Geoheritage II initiative and her ongoing work with GSA and the International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (ProGEO), she has helped create lasting resources and partnerships that encourage public engagement with the geological stories embedded in landscapes around the world.
Contributing to efforts across the AGI federation, she also has served as President of the Geological Society of Washington (2020), as Councilor (2015-2018) of the International Medical Geology Association, and on working groups of the American Geophysical Union and the Soil Science Society of America.
“For many years, Ester has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building the connection of people, cultures, and communities through geoscience,” said AGI President Claudia Mora. “Whether championing global research collaboration or cultivating public support and understanding of geoheritage, Ester has opened the geosciences to new voices, pushed geoscience understanding beyond traditional borders and boundaries, and fostered a deeper, more inclusive appreciation of our shared planet. AGI is proud to recognize her extraordinary and impactful contributions.”
“I am honored to receive this recognition from AGI, thankful to the community, and humbled by the company I will forever keep as a recipient,” said Dr. Sztein. “My guiding goal is to advance geosciences and the people who do it throughout the world through effective collaborations that help make geosciences an indispensable part of the global discourse.”
The AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences is presented to a person, organization, or institution in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the public understanding of the geosciences. Dr. Sztein is being recognized at the Friends of AGI Awards Reception during the GSA Connects conference in Denver, Colorado, on October 11, 2026.
About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact: Geoff Camphire, AGI Communications gac@americangeosciences.org