In 2024, 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. 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:

• professional productivity,

• scientific rigor and curiosity, and

• personal characteristics of humility, service, and inclusivity that facilitate cordial and effective collaboration.

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

Nomination requirements:

1. Due Date: nominations must be received by 24th June 2024

2. The nomination package should include:

1. CV and/or biography of nominee

2. Two letters of recommendation

3. Nomination letter general requirements: Two letters of recommendation (~ 1 page each).

1. Letters cannot come from award committee members or the ForestSAT chair.

2. The first letter should be from someone who can speak to the candidate’s novel research outcomes, in particular.

3. The second letter can be from a peer / collaborator / supervisor of the nominee who could speak to the candidate’s approach to collaboration, in particular.

4. Nomination letters should specifically highlight:

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.

5. Complete nomination packages (in PDF) format should be emailed to nicholas.coops@ubc.ca with the subject heading: Nomination 2024 Hilker Award.

Download and Distribute information about the Thomas Hilker award in:

Portuguese or Spanish