The Ministry of Mines is inviting applications for the National Geoscience Awards (NGA)-2022, designed to recognize and honor significant contributions in the field of geosciences, mining, and allied areas. The term ‘geoscience’ encompasses a broad range of Earth Sciences, drawing professionals from such fields as atmospheric sciences, geology, hydrology, mineralogy, petrology, pedology, and oceanography.
About the National Geoscience Awards
The NGA was instituted by the Ministry of Mines in 1966 and has since been awarded annually as an initiative to encourage excellence among geoscientists. Eligibility for these awards extends to any citizen of India who has made a significant contribution in any of the defined fields according to Clause-2 of the NGA Regulation 2022.
Disciplinary Focus of the Awards
The awards consider contributions across a range of disciplines, encouraging holistic and diverse approaches to geoscience. These disciplines include Mineral Discovery & Exploration, Mining, Mineral Beneficiation & Sustainable Mineral Development, Basic Geosciences, and Applied Geosciences.
Categories of the National Geoscience Awards
The NGA are distinguished into three categories:
1. National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement: This award acknowledges an individual’s sustained and substantial contributions across the span of their career in any of the disciplines mentioned in Clause-2 of NGA Regulation 2022. The winner receives a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000/- and a certificate.
2. National Geoscience Award: This award recognizes either individuals or teams for their meritorious contributions in any of the disciplines detailed in Clause-2 of NGA Regulation 2022. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 3,00,000/- and a certificate. In the case of a team award, the cash prize will be divided equally among the members.
3. National Young Geoscientist Award: This award is intended to emphasize and encourage remarkable research work in the geosciences field by individuals under 35 years of age as of 31st December 2021. Along with a certificate, the award carries a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000 and a research grant of Rs. 5,00,000/-, which shall be disbursed over five years subject to satisfactory yearly progress.
The National Geoscience Awards, with their focus on promoting excellence in various sub-disciplines of the Earth Sciences, stand as testimony to the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in these pivotal areas. By recognizing significant contributions from professionals across various stages of their career, the awards inspire future generations to strive for excellence in their scientific endeavors.
Source: PIB
