Simon Winchester to be Awarded Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces that geologist and author Simon Winchester will be receiving the 2007 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences. This award, given annually, honors an individual for contributions which lead to greater public appreciation and understanding of the role of the geosciences in society.

Winchester studied geology at Oxford and then worked as a geologist in the Ruwenzori Mountains and on oil rigs in the North Sea. He then went on to a successful career writing as a Foreign Correspondent for The Guardian. He has also written for Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times and National Geographic. Winchester has authored several books on geologically important subjects and people including; The Map that Changed the World, Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded, and A Crack in the Edge of the World.

In addition to the AGI Public Understanding of the Geosciences award, Winchester has received Britain’s Journalist of the Year distinction, and was made Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty The Queen in 2006.

Winchester will be presented with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences at the Friends of AGI Awards Reception held during the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado on October 30, 2007.