Murray Hitzman, 2026 Campbell Medalist

Murray W. Hitzman of University College Dublin has been awarded the 2026 AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.

The Campbell Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding performance in and contribution to the geoscience profession. Ian Campbell was an uncommon man of remarkable accomplishment and widespread influence.

Murray is Director of the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, among other roles. He served as Associate Director for Energy and Minerals at USGS, Professor of Economic Geology at Colorado School of Mines, policy analyst in the OSTP and Senate, and exploration geologist worldwide. He holds B.A. degrees in geology and anthropology from Dartmouth College, an M.S. in geology from University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in geology from Stanford University. Congratulations, Murray!

Michael McGlue, Kentucky State Geologist, 50 under 50

Michael M. McGlue, Director, State Geologist, and Professor, Kentucky Geological Survey, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky, has been recognized in this year’s 50 under 50.

The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC-AGC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM) that honors outstanding mid-career geoscientists across North America who are making significant contributions through research, service, and mentorship.

Michael holds at PhD in geology from University of Arizona.

Simon Jowitt, Nevada State Geologist, 50 under 50

Simon M. Jowitt, Director and State Geologist, Professor of Economic Geology, at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), University of Nevada, Reno has been recognized in this year’s 50 under 50.

The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC-AGC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM) that honors outstanding mid-career geoscientists across North America who are making significant contributions through research, service, and mentorship.

Simon holds at PhD in geology from University of Leicester, UK.

Bill Haneberg, 1960 - 2026

Dr. William (Bill) Haneberg, passed away suddenly on September 7 due to blood clots. Bill was 66 years old and is survived by his wife Lisa. Bill served as Kentucky Geological Survey Director and State Geologist from 2016 to 2023, where he brought his expertise in geohazards to the survey. Bill oversaw several changes at KGS, including adoption of transdisciplinary research themes, such as radon research. Upon his retirement from UK, Bill worked as a consultant at his home in New Mexico, where he remained active in geohazards and policy research.  

- From Doug Curl