A nominee should have an existing track record of sufficient depth and breadth to provide indications of future potential for success and leadership, allowing the selection committee to project, with reasonable assurance, that this person will remain in Antarctic science and/or policy as a career choice and become a leader in his or her field.

Nominees for the Tinker-Muse Prize should be capable of making a significant contribution in a field or topic that advances our understanding of Antarctic science and/or policy during their career.  Exemplar activities in which a Tinker-Muse Prize winner might show promise of future leadership include - but are not limited to - the following areas:

• Studying the agreements, instruments, and conventions among nations that foster international cooperation, promote shared governance, and protect the environment of Antarctica.
• Advancing cross-disciplinary efforts to better understand Antarctica.
• Conducting investigations that advance our understanding of Antarctic systems and living resources as key components of the Earth system.
• Studying the unique characteristics and adaptations of Antarctic organisms.
• Defining the role of humans in change in the Antarctic environment and improving our ability to predict future outcomes, promote environmental stewardship, and inform management of the region.
• Studying the critical linkages between Antarctica and the planet as a whole.
• Addressing one or more of the themes embodied in the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2008.
• Contributing to public understanding and appreciation of Antarctica, its value, and its role in our lives.

The nominees should be less than 50 years on the closing date of nominations.  Only under exceptional circumstances (e.g. maternity / paternity leave, career break, etc.) will nominees over 50 years be considered – please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you feel this is the case.

Nominations are open from any country, with nominations from South America, Asia, Russia, etc., especially encouraged.

Self-nominations will not be considered. 

Nomination packages for highly competitive candidates not selected for the Tinker-Muse Prize in a given year will be held for three years for possible consideration in subsequent years (provided the applicant is under 50 years of age in the following years). If a nomination is carried forward, the selection committee will ask the nominator to submit a new cover letter and curriculum vitae and to update the nomination package with recent developments in the nominee’s career.