Latest developments

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    HABCOM Podcast New Episode

    New podcast launched by HABCOM commission.

  • New Publication from Mapping Ancient Africa INQUA project
    New Publication from Mapping Ancient Africa INQUA project

    We are pleased to share the latest contribution to the Mapping Ancient Africa Special Issue of Quaternary International. This study provides valuable insights into the past ecological and cultural dynamics at Wonderwerk Cave. New article:…

  • Podcast INQUA 2027 India
    Podcast INQUA 2027 India

    Quaternary is the age when modern recognisable humans started inhabiting this planet. All over the world scientists are engaged in studying various aspects of human evolution. Once every 4 years scientists from all across the…

  • Webinar Series: Climate of the Past 20th Anniversary!
    Webinar Series: Climate of the Past 20th Anniversary!

    Climate of the Past Celebrates 20 Years with Monthly Webinar Series The European Geosciences Union’s open-access, community-driven journal Climate of the Past (CP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025! To mark the occasion, CP…

Medals

Medals

INQUA awards scientists for their significant contributions to Quaternary science and the organization itself. These awards include:

The Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal for Outstanding Young Quaternary Scientists

The medal is awarded once every two years to an outstanding young Quaternary scientist, chosen by his or her peers and evaluated by a blue-ribbon committee of distinguished scientists.

2025 Call for Nominations

Nominations are invited for the 2025 Award of the Sir Nicholas Shackleton Medal, which is awarded to an early-career scientist who will normally be less than 40 years of age or, if older, within 8 years of completing their first PhD project. Candidates may be working in any branch of Quaternary science.

The following documentation should accompany the nomination form:

  • Letter of support from each nominator
  • Curriculum vitae of the nominee, including a list of the nominee’s publications
  • Short statement of major contributions to Quaternary research by the nominee.

All documentation (one single pdf file) should be sent to the INQUA secretariat (Aritina Haliuc), info@inqua.org

The deadline for the 2025 call for nominations is 1 October 2025.

For more information, please refer to the nomination form below.

Nomination Form

Shackleton Medal recipients

  • 2023: Qiaomei Fu
  • 2021: Julie Loisel
  • 2019: Qiuzhen Yin
  • 2017: Amaelle Landais
  • 2015: Robert E. Kopp
  • 2013: Not awarded
  • 2011: Yuki Sawai
  • 2009: Zenobia Jacobs
  • 2007: Chris Turney

Celebrate Dr. Julie Loisel, the 2021 Shackleton Medal winner, for her outstanding contributions to Quaternary science. From advancing our understanding of peatland ecosystems to climate change impacts, her groundbreaking research continues to inspire the scientific community.

Meet Dr. Qiaomei Fu, the 2023 Shackleton Medal winner, recognized for her pioneering work in ancient DNA research. Her groundbreaking studies have unveiled new insights into human evolution, migration, and adaptation during the Quaternary period.

The Liu Tungsheng Distinguished Career Medal for Distinguished Service to the International Community in Quaternary Science

The Liu Tungsheng Distinguished Career Medal is awarded to a senior Quaternary scientist who has made significant and distinguished contributions that have advanced Quaternary science through dedicated service to the international community.

Liu Tungsheng Medal recipients

  • 2023: Denis-Didier Rousseau
  • 2019: Nicolas Lancaste
  • 2015: Ann G. Wintle
  • 2011: Stephen C. Porter

Nomination Form

 INQUA Distinguished Service Medal

The INQUA Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to individuals with a recognized record of sustained and outstanding contributions to the maintenance or development of INQUA’s important functions (e.g. organization, operations, outputs, publicity).

INQUA Distinguished Service Medal Recipients

  • 2023: Norm Catto
  • 2019: Marie-France Loutre
  • 2015: Nathaniel W. Rutter

Nomination Form

Honoring Dr. Norm Catto, recipient of the 2023 INQUA Distinguished Service Medal, for his exceptional dedication and contributions to Quaternary science. Celebrate his impactful career, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field.

Explore the Awards: Past Recipients