Mary-Claire Ward Geoscience Award
Recognizing excellence in geological mapping and graduate research.
About the Award
The Mary-Claire Ward Geoscience Award was established in 2004 following a gift of $50,000 from Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited (WGM), a long-established geological consulting firm based in Toronto.
The award was created to honor the memory of Mary-Claire Ward, a former WGM director and a past President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC).
Eligibility
The award is given annually to a graduate student at a Canadian university whose thesis involves a significant amount of geological mapping.
Award Value
The award consists of a cash prize (currently $5,000) and a certificate, presented annually at the PDAC Convention or the GAC-MAC Annual Meeting.
Mary-Claire Ward (1948–2004)
Mary-Claire Ward was a pioneer for women in the mineral exploration industry. As a director of WGM and a leader in the PDAC, she was a tireless advocate for the importance of geological mapping as the foundation of successful exploration.
This award serves as a permanent tribute to her dedication to the profession and her commitment to supporting the next generation of geoscientists.
Selection Process
The award is administered jointly by the Canadian Geological Foundation, the GAC, and the PDAC. A selection committee review applications submitted by December 15th of each year.
How to Apply
Applications should include a description of the mapping component of the thesis, a letter of support from the supervisor, and a transcript of academic records.
Learn More from GAC
View detailed application instructions on the GAC website.