Medals
INQUA awards scientists for their significant contributions to Quaternary science and the organization itself. These awards include:
The Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal for Outstanding Young Quaternary Scientists
The medal is awarded once every two years to an outstanding young Quaternary scientist, chosen by his or her peers and evaluated by a blue-ribbon committee of distinguished scientists.
2025 Call for Nominations
Nominations are invited for the 2025 Award of the Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal, which is awarded to an early-career scientist who will normally be less than 40 years of age or, if older, within 8 years of completing their first PhD project. Candidates may be working in any branch of Quaternary science.
The following documentation should accompany the nomination form:
- Letter of support from each nominator
- Curriculum vitae of the nominee, including a list of the nominee’s publications
- Short statement of major contributions to Quaternary research by the nominee.
All documentation (one single pdf file) should be sent to the INQUA secretariat (Aritina Haliuc), info@inqua.org
The deadline for the 2025 call for nominations is 1 October 2025.
For more information, please refer to the nomination form below.
Shackleton Medal recipients
- 2023: Qiaomei Fu
- 2021: Julie Loisel
- 2019: Qiuzhen Yin
- 2017: Amaelle Landais
- 2015: Robert E. Kopp
- 2013: Not awarded
- 2011: Yuki Sawai
- 2009: Zenobia Jacobs
- 2007: Chris Turney
Celebrate Dr. Julie Loisel, the 2021 Shackleton Medal winner, for her outstanding contributions to Quaternary science. From advancing our understanding of peatland ecosystems to climate change impacts, her groundbreaking research continues to inspire the scientific community.
Meet Dr. Qiaomei Fu, the 2023 Shackleton Medal winner, recognized for her pioneering work in ancient DNA research. Her groundbreaking studies have unveiled new insights into human evolution, migration, and adaptation during the Quaternary period.
The Liu Tungsheng Distinguished Career Medal for Distinguished Service to the International Community in Quaternary Science
The Liu Tungsheng Distinguished Career Medal is awarded to a senior Quaternary scientist who has made significant and distinguished contributions that have advanced Quaternary science through dedicated service to the international community.
Liu Tungsheng Medal recipients
- 2023: Denis-Didier Rousseau
- 2019: Nicolas Lancaste
- 2015: Ann G. Wintle
- 2011: Stephen C. Porter
INQUA Distinguished Service Medal
The INQUA Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to individuals with a recognized record of sustained and outstanding contributions to the maintenance or development of INQUA’s important functions (e.g. organization, operations, outputs, publicity).
INQUA Distinguished Service Medal Recipients
- 2023: Norm Catto
- 2019: Marie-France Loutre
- 2015: Nathaniel W. Rutter
Honoring Dr. Norm Catto, recipient of the 2023 INQUA Distinguished Service Medal, for his exceptional dedication and contributions to Quaternary science. Celebrate his impactful career, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field.