In 2026, ForestSAT continues its award for young scientists, in honor of the late Dr. Thomas Hilker. Thomas obtained his Bachelor and MSC degrees in Germany and his PhD in Canada, at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Following postdoctoral research at UBC and a fellowship at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, he joined Oregon State University as an Assistant Professor. In 2016, as he was about to commence a new position at the University of Southampton, he died unexpectedly at the age of 40. Thomas was a well-loved colleague of many remote sensing researchers world-wide. He built a network of collaborators in Canada, the US, Brazil, Europe, and Australia.

Thomas approached environmental questions and challenges with vigor and had an enormous curiosity and passion for science. Undertaking research, Thomas was respectful of others’ opinions, eager to share ideas and approaches, and recognized science was a collaborative endeavor. He was known for his compassionate and patient mentoring style, community engagement and his range of diverse and inclusive collaborations. In his prematurely shortened career he was prolific, with many papers covering a wide range of research topics mirroring his broad interests in Earth Observation of terrestrial ecosystems.

Call for Nominees:

By creating this award, the ForestSAT community aims to recognize early career scientists (PhD completed within 10 years - maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoptive leave, or extended sick leave will be deducted from this period) undertaking challenging research and starting to publish groundbreaking science. We recognize innovative individuals who we believe will become global leaders in the field. More importantly, these individuals engage in science collaboratively, with humility and kindness, which boosts spirits and fosters inclusivity and engagement from scientists within their field, as Thomas did. We encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply including underrepresented minorities in science.

Selection Criteria

This award recognizes a healthy mix of:

• Personal characteristics of humility, service, and inclusivity that facilitate cordial and effective collaboration, reflected through mentoring, significant scientific service, diverse and inclusive collaborations, community engagement, and team building.

• Professional productivity, which could be demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, research grants, scientific communication, and teaching accomplishments

• Scientific rigor and curiosity

Nominees for this award will exhibit these traits, and letters of nomination should highlight them.

Nomination Process:

Due Date: nominations must be received by March 13th at 5pm Pacific Time.

Submission Form: Nomination materials must be submitted through the award webform.

The nomination package includes:

1. CV and/or biography of nominee

2. Two letters of recommendation. Typically, one letter may come from a current supervisor, research supervisor or senior colleague, and the second from a peer or mentee. Please note: Letters cannot come from award committee members or the ForestSAT chair.

Nomination letters - General requirements: The two letters of recommendation should address the personal characteristics of the nominee highlighting the ways in which the nominee facilitates effective collaboration, service, community engagement, and humility as well as the academic success of the nominee to date.

Nomination letters - Specific requirements: The form will request each letter to specifically highlight all 3 of the key selection criteria

1. Examples of novel research

2. Examples in which the candidate has facilitated or engaged in cordial and effective collaboration that advanced scientific understanding or provided a unique experience for others.

3. Examples in which the candidate has demonstrated leadership through formal or informal mentoring.

Questions should be directed to Nicholas Coops (nicholas.coops@ubc.ca) or forestsat@forestsat.com.