The Martin Bergmann Medal for Excellence in Arctic Leadership

Established by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2012, the medal recognizes achievement for “excellence in Arctic leadership.”

It celebrates “Marty” Bergmann, a public servant with an outstanding passion and talent for networking that led him to link up scientists with resources and technology. Marty also connected science (Western and traditional knowledge) to policy makers and to others who could translate knowledge to action (e.g. innovators, business leaders, news-makers and authors).

The Martin Bergmann Medal is awarded for:

  • distinguished accomplishments in Arctic leadership in the Canadian Arctic;
  • excellence for a recent outstanding achievement, or for a lifetime of achievement, both being equally eligible.

See past Bergmann Medal winners.

Looking to nominate someone?

How to nominate

A two-page letter must clearly respond to the mandatory criteria and categories of qualifications outlined here.

Mandatory Criteria

The nomination package must clearly demonstrate the nominee’s collaborative approach to improve any facet of Arctic knowledge and/or life for northerners. In considering suitable nominees, you are encouraged to be inclusive, in respect to gender and the diversity of Canadians.

In addition to the mandatory criteria, candidates will be evaluated on their qualifications in one or more of the following categories referring to the significance of contributions to Arctic leadership in any field including (but not exclusive to):

  • Disciplinary and interdisciplinary science activities
  • Education, communication and outreach activities
  • Inspiration and influence on policy directions
  • Teaching and mentoring of future Arctic leaders with a focus on training Indigenous people
  • Discovery initiatives

Nominations can be made by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. You may submit one or more nominations for the medal using the form at the bottom of this page.

Annual deadline for nominations: June 30.

Nominations will stand for a period of three years.

A small fundraising committee set up by the adjudication committee is charged with raising sufficient funds to create an endowment to ensure the future of the award. These funds are managed by the Ottawa Community Foundation. The endowment fund for the medal will accept donations to a maximum of $125,000.

How to Make a Donation

To make an online donation, click here.

Bergmann Medal Nomination

Only nominations submitted by the nomination deadline (June 30) will be considered for the Bergmann Medal in the same year. Nominations submitted after the deadline will be considered in the following year. Submissions must be filled out in their entirety and cannot be accessed again.

NOTE: This form does not have an automatic save function. Please ensure that you save your work elsewhere to ensure it is not lost in completing this process.

Nominator Name*
Address*
Is the Nominator an RCGS Fellow?*

Brief description of nominator including relationship to nominee

Nominee Name*
Address*
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Specifically describing the nominee’s accomplishments in relation to the mandatory criteria of collaboration supplemented by the other categories noted above, to justify why the individual is worthy of the Martin Bergmann Medal.

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Please upload an abridged version of the nominee's curriculum vitae, including selected publications, films or other achievements. A strictly enforced total maximum of ten (10) pages is available for CV, publications, etc.

Drop files here or

Up to four additional one-page letters of support for particular aspects of the nominee's achievements may be uploaded.

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