2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest

From the movement of Hurricane Irene up the east coast of the United States to images of the receding ice in polar regions, scientists and decision-makers rely upon satellites and other observing instruments to understand the extent and impact of environmental changes. These tools are offered to the public with ever increasing accessibility, turning people into citizen scientists.

The 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, held by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, provides high school students (grades 9-12) with the opportunity to conduct innovative research on our changing planet and win cash prizes for their efforts. Students must demonstrate the best uses of the latest geospatial tools and data to study the Earth.

Entries can be submitted by individuals or teams. Cash awards will be given to the top three projects -- $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. In the case of team entries, the cash award will be split equally among the winning team members. Winners also will be featured in an Encyclopedia of Earth article.

In addition to the student prizes, teachers of the first-, second- and third-place students or teams will receive a $200 amazon.com gift card. If participation is part of an after-school club or other activity independent of school, the student or team can identify an adult "coach" who would be eligible for this award (e.g., a parent, club leader, etc.).

Entries must be received by April 16, 2012. IGES plans to announce the winning entries by May 23, 2012.    

Eligible geospatial tools and data include satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). The main focus of the project must be on the application of the geospatial tool(s) or data to study a problem related to Earth's environment.

Geospatial tools and data have numerous uses in science research, ranging from climate prediction to archaeology. They can be used to improve our understanding of Earth systems, including interactions within and among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. They also can be used to improve the quality of our lives by supporting weather prediction, natural hazards monitoring, agriculture, land-use planning, coastal management, transportation, public health, emergency response and other fields.

The Thacher Environmental Research Contest (formerly the Thacher Scholars Award) was founded in honor of former IGES board member Peter Thacher, who was a leader in promoting the use of satellite remote sensing. Thacher was former deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, NASA advisor and, at the time of his death, president of the Earth Council Foundation/U.S.

For more information on the 2012 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, including a list of resources for geospatial data, please visit www.strategies.org/ThacherContest.