ESIP Executive Director Sarah Cooley wins Suffrage Science Award

On March 9, Sarah Cooley received a 2026 Suffrage Science Award in Life Sciences, which celebrates the contributions of outstanding women scientists around the world to the scientific community.

Authored by Sarah Cooley

Science has always been, at its core, a shared endeavor. We build on the discoveries of those who came before us, and we rely on the diverse expertise of those working alongside us to make sense of a complex world.

In my first couple of months as the Executive Director at ESIP, I’ve been excited to see the Earth Science Data community demonstrate this sharing and building every day. ESIP is a dedicated community of  people who deeply understand the power of accessible information and collaborative truth-seeking. This is such an energizing environment to be part of. Already, I’ve rolled up my sleeves to get involved in projects big and small that will help this community achieve its vision..

One of the things I love about ESIP is our commitment to “walking the talk” when it comes to putting science to work in inclusive and innovative ways. For an example, look no further than the ESIP Lab. Through small grants, we provide a launchpad for the next great idea, whether it’s a high-resolution prediction of global snow patterns or using AI for flood monitoring in underserved communities. Through this initiative and others – like the ESIP Collaboration Areas or our engaging Meetings – ESIP lowers the barrier to entry, giving everyone from seasoned researchers to early-career innovators a platform to change the way we interact with and talk about Earth science data. We foster a culture where anyone with a vision can find collaborative support that can make all the difference. This philosophy is exactly what the scientific community needs more of, and it’s a big part of why I feel so at home here.

This week, I was reminded of the power of our scientific networks in a deeply personal way. I am honored and humbled to accept a 2026 Suffrage Science Award in Life Sciences, an award that celebrates contributions of outstanding women scientists around the world.

For those unfamiliar, the Suffrage Science scheme is a unique recognition. It doesn’t involve a traditional trophy; rather, it centers on heirloom jewelry inspired by the Suffragette movement. Every two years, current awardees nominate the next recipients to pass their heirlooms onto, creating a continuous, self-perpetuating “family tree” of women scientists. Coming after a rollercoaster year in which I had to rethink my professional identity and goals, this award and heirloom are tangible reminders that I will always be part of a powerful lineage of women who are, above all else, truth-seekers.

My own pursuit of truth through science began with a desire to understand how the Earth system worked, starting out as an ocean biogeochemist. But I quickly realized that doing the science is only half the equation, and sharing that knowledge is just as critical. Over the years, I’ve transitioned through being a field oceanographer, an earth system modeler, a science communicator, a policy advocate, and a science community leader. The journey never stops!

Every single opportunity and change along the way taught me a vital lesson: advancing earth science requires varied experiences, skills, and stories. We need the modelers, the field researchers, the data managers, and the communicators to discover new ideas and put them to work. Today, the challenges facing our changing planet are immense, and the earth sciences are more critical than ever for finding sustainable solutions. We cannot solve these problems in silos.

I am deeply grateful to my nominators for this award, Susan Gaines and Samantha Joye; thank you for passing this tremendous honor along to me. They are incredible role models who have tirelessly and creatively shared their scientific messages with much wider audiences. They embody the foundational Suffrage idea that scientific contributions cannot and should not be bounded by gender. I am so honored to stand among this group, and I take seriously the responsibility of now being a role model myself, and of lifting up voices that need to be heard in science classrooms, labs, and discussions everywhere.

The ESIP community knows better than anyone that data are only as powerful as the people who can access and understand them. Thank you to the Suffrage Science Committee for reminding us of a truth that drives both this award and our mission here: our best, most world-changing science happens when absolutely everyone has a seat at the table.

ESIP (Earth Science Information Partners) is a community of partner organizations and volunteers. We work together to meet environmental data challenges and find opportunities to expand, improve, and innovate across Earth science disciplines. Learn more and sign up for the weekly ESIP Update for #EarthScienceData events, funding, webinars and ESIP announcements.