The Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award recognizes the achievements of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and practice of professional geoscience and who has advanced public recognition of the profession in Canada in their capacity as a registered professional geoscientist.
The award, which consists of a labradorite and marble sculpture made by a Canadian geoscientist artist, is given to a person in mid-to-late career. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must meet specified criteria, which include: a solid career as a professional geoscientist, an outstanding record of voluntary service to the community, and service to Geoscientists Canada or to one of the provincial or territorial professional associations that regulate geoscience practise in Canada.
This year’s recipient of Geoscientists Canada’s highest honour, Dr. Catherine Hickson, has made significant contributions to the profession of geoscience through her career, volunteer service, and leadership. A pioneering volcanologist and a globally-recognized geoscience and geothermal expert with more than 30 years’ experience, she is the author of over 100 scientific papers as well as articles for the public, including two books. Dr. Hickson's early career focused on assessing past and future eruptions and hazard impacts of young volcanoes in Canada and globally. She went on to spend 25 years working with the federal government at the Geological Survey of Canada. She worked closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization creating pilot and airspace regulations for flight in regions impacted by volcanic ash. She also formulated and implemented Canada's volcanic eruption response. Combining her management and volcanological expertise as well as her global experience, an impactful career in the private sector followed, with a focus on geothermal energy and lithium brines.
In 2014, Dr. Hickson founded her own geological and management services company specializing in supporting geothermal development, lithium exploration, and public engagement in the Earth sciences. In 2018, she became Chief Geologist of the Alberta start-up Terrapin Geothermics. Under her leadership, Terrapin secured over $25 million in project development funds from Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program for its Alberta No. 1 project to harness the benefits of geothermal energy. She now serves as Alberta No. 1’s CEO. Dr. Hickson holds a Ph.D. (1987) in Geology and Volcanology, and a B.Sc. in Geology (1982) from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
She is a registered professional geoscientist with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). Dr. Hickson served as an EGBC Council member from 2017 to 2019 and has also been a member of EGBC’s Geoscience Committee (2018 to 2022), the Credentials Committee (2018 – 2021), the Professional Practice Advisory Group (2017-2018), and the Nominating Committee (2013- 2015). Dr. Hickson is currently a member of the Engineering Experience Assessment Panel.
Announcing the 2023 Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award recipient, the President of Geoscientists Canada, Doug Bell, P.Geo., commented: “We are delighted that Dr. Hickson is being recognized as this year's recipient. Her dedication to advancing the science of volcanology and geothermal energy throughout her career is exemplary, in addition to her contributions to the profession of geoscience through her volunteer service and leadership. She is a shining example of what this national Canadian Professional Geoscience Award represents, congratulations Catherine, well deserved.” The citation on the 2023 award indicates: “Presented to Dr. Catherine Hickson, Ph.D., P.Geo., FGC, in recognition of her long and distinguished career, and outstanding contributions in volcanology and geothermal energy.”
Nominations for this award are considered annually, although the award is not necessarily presented each year. Further details on the award criteria and nominations process are available on the Geoscientists Canada website at www.geoscientistscanada.ca Geoscientists Canada’s Mission is to support its members in their efforts to improve the effectiveness of regulation in Canada and achieve excellence in the geoscience profession.