The “Tinker-Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica” is a US$ 100,000 unrestricted award presented to an individual in the fields of Antarctic science and/or policy who has demonstrated excellence in Antarctic science and/or policy and who shows clear potential for sustained and significant contributions that will enhance our understanding of Antarctic science or policy and promote Antarctica’s preservation for future generations.

The Tinker Foundation’s goal is to establish a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in Antarctic research by honouring someone in the early to mid-stages of his or her career. The Prize is inspired by Martha T. Muse’s passion for Antarctica and is a legacy of the International Polar Year 2007-2008.

The prize-winner can be from any country and work in any field of Antarctic science and/or policy. The goal is to provide recognition of the important work being done by the individual and to call attention to the significance of understanding Antarctica in a time of change

Prize Administration

The Tinker-Muse Prize is administered by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).

SCAR is responsible for the coordination of the nominations, organizing the selection committee and their meetings, dispersing of award funding, liaising with nominators, communications about the prize, and the Award presentation and lecture.

The call for nominations is usually launched in January every year, with nominations due in May. The selection committee usually meets in-person in June or July and the announcement of the recipient is made in August.

The Muse-Prize award ceremony is held at the SCAR Open Science Conference in even-numbered years, and at a conference of the recipient’s choice in odd-numbered years.