Submit your session proposal for the ESIP January 2027 Meeting. Submissions are open through November 19.
Martha Maiden Award
Description
In honor of Martha E. Maiden’s leadership, dedication and tireless efforts to nurture ESIP into a vibrant and mature organization, the Martha Maiden Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to the Earth Science Information Community award was established in 2009 to recognize outstanding service to the Earth science information community. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated leadership, dedication and a collaborative spirit in advancing the field of Earth Science information.
This award is named for Martha E. Maiden, NASA Program Executive for Earth Data Systems. Ms. Maiden is widely credited for nurturing the ESIP Federation in its infancy and has overseen its growth and maturity. This award will be presented annually at the January meeting. The award is open to individuals from non-ESIP partners. Individuals from ESIP partners should be considered first. If an individual from a non-ESIP partner is selected, they should then become an ESIP partner.
Now accepting nominations for the 2026 Martha Maiden Award. Deadline for nominations is November 13.
Past Winners
- 2026 – Elizabeth “Eli” Holmes
- 2025 – Karl Benedict
- 2024 – Robert S. Chen
- 2023 – Bob Downs
- 2022 – Chris Lynnes
- 2021 – Hampapuram “Rama” Ramapriyan
- 2020 – Michael Goodman
- 2019 – Lesley Wyborn
- 2018 – Barbara Ryan
- 2017 – Cyndy Chandler
- 2016 – Ruth Duerr
- 2015 – Ted Habermann
- 2014 – Charles Hutchinson
- 2013 – Sara Graves
- 2012 – Peter Fox
- 2011 – John Townshend
- 2010 – Bruce R. Caron
- 2009 – Martha E. Maiden
Application Procedure
Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. To be considered for the January meeting, a complete nomination package must be submitted electronically by the deadline of the preceding year (i.e., November 13, 2026 for 2027). The following materials are required:
- Nominating Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Biography (1 page)
- At least 2 supporting letters
Nominations should provide specific examples demonstrating how the nominee has made outstanding, sustained contributions to the Earth science information community. The nomination package should address:
- Leadership and Influence: How has the nominee demonstrated leadership and influenced the direction, practices, or advancement of the Earth science information community?
- Dedication to Information Access and Sharing: How has the nominee advanced the accessibility, usability, stewardship, sharing, or responsible use of Earth science information?
- Collaboration and Community Building: How has the nominee fostered collaboration, built relationships across communities, mentored others, or created opportunities for meaningful participation?
- Sustained Contributions and Lasting Impact: What is the lasting significance of the nominee’s contributions, and how have they benefited the field over time?
- Service and Community Values: How has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to service, generosity, inclusion, and the collaborative values exemplified by Martha Maiden?
Nominations should emphasize the significance and impact of contributions rather than relying solely on professional titles, years of service, or lists of accomplishments. Examples may come from work within ESIP or the broader Earth science information community.
The nominations will be reviewed by a small subcommittee of ESIP partners. Applications can be held over for future award cycles, but will require an updated nomination package to be reconsidered. The next award will be presented at the next January ESIP Meeting.
For questions, please contact Alycia Crall, [email protected].
