The Peter B. Wagner Medal of Excellence, established in memory of DRI atmospheric scientist Dr. Peter Byrne Wagner, recognizes outstanding scientific accomplishments of DRI faculty in the early stages of their careers. The Wagner award recognizes scholars who meet standards of excellence in research creativity, productivity, and contributions to science. Furthermore, recipients of the award must demonstrate a deep commitment to the Institute through both internal participation in activities and programs as well as leadership in the broader scientific community. Wagner award recipients will receive a $1,500 prize and medallion symbolizing their achievement. Dr. David Mitchell received the first Wagner Medal in 2000. Drs. Christian Fritsen and David Benson shared the second award in 2001. Dr. Xiaolong "Bill" Hu was the recipient in 2002, Dr. Vanda Grubisic received the 2003 award, Dr. Ken Adams was the award winner in 2004, Dr. Paul Verburg won in 2005, Dr. Alison Murray was the recipient in 2006, Dr. Ross Edwards, in 2007, Julian Zhu in 2008 and Daniel Obrist in 2009.

Dr. Wagner's career at the Desert Research began in 1968. His research involved the development of new instruments and their use in exploring cloud motions and electrical processes in the atmosphere. While conducting research on March 2, 1980, Dr. Wagner and three other Institute employees lost their lives in a tragic plane crash. In 1981, family and friends established the Peter B. Wagner Memorial Endowment to provide several recognition programs for graduate students at DRI. In 1998, Dr. Wagner's widow, former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Sue Wagner, added to the Wagner Memorial Endowment to establish the Peter B. Wagner Medal of Excellence for DRI Scholars in the Early Stages of Career Development.

Eligibility

Candidates for the award must be full-time permanent DRI faculty at Rank II at the time of nomination.

Nomination Criteria

1. Candidates may be nominated based on a cumulative body of published work recognized by the scientific community for its quality, intensity, or breadth of contribution or for a single, peer-reviewed publication that offers the rigor, creativity, importance, and presentation that sets a new standard in the discipline.

2. Candidates may be nominated on the basis of peer recognition reflected by awards, memberships, and invitations to participate in scholarly pursuits.

3. Candidates should have demonstrated a strong commitment to DRI through service on Division or Institute committees, participation in Institute events and activities, and representation of DRI in the scientific community.

Selection Criteria

The Wagner Medal will be given on the basis of scientific and service achievement that bring recognition to the scientist and DRI. The two major criteria are the quality of publications and peer recognition.

Specific considerations include:

Publications

• Emphasis on quality (leading journals in the field)
• Many incremental publications adding up to a major achievement
• A single publication, or limited number of publications, known to have a major impact on the field

Peer Recognition

• Societal awards
• Citation indices
• Guest lectures
• Invitations to participate in national and international symposia
• Membership on national and international committees

Service

• Membership on Division and Institute committees
• Participation in Institute activities
• Advising graduate and undergraduate students
• Teaching
• Membership in professional societies
• Outreach activities

Nomination Deadline

Nominations are due by March 16. Each nomination must be accompanied by supporting materials, including an up-to-date resume, which will allow the Selection Committee to judge each nomination fairly. Send eight (8) copies of nominations and supporting materials to the Wagner Medal Selection Committee, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway Reno, NV 89512.