Philip Heron

The 2026 Katia and Maurice Krafft Award is awarded to Philip Heron for the creation and co-ordination of the inspiring 'Think Like a Scientist' initiative: a geoscience educational program that brings science to hard-to-reach audiences, including people in the prison system.

Philip Heron receives the 2026 Katia and Maurice Krafft Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to geoscience outreach through the program 'Think Like a Scientist'. In addition to his academic work in geodynamics and plate tectonics, Heron has been able to create and implement an outreach program that encapsulates very strong Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles in a scalable and replicable science communication format. The impact of the 'Think Like a Scientist' program on geoscience outreach is deeply meaningful. It goes beyond the simple communication of information to become a tool for improving the lives of under-served communities, including prison inmates, young people who have experienced homelessness, and adults identified as being at high risk for dementia. 

Testimonials from former participants in the 'Think Like a Scientist' program are deeply touching. They show how individuals who were once told they would "never get it right," or who believed science was only for those with a higher academic level of education, began a journey of personal transformation and community reintegration through this outreach work. The 'Think Like a Scientist' program has enabled giving confidence and a second chance to individuals by shifting the focus from what learners know to how they think about a subject. Since its inception in 2017, 'Think Like a Scientist' has operated across three continents, creating a structure that not only inspires students but also collaborators, showing them that science can be taught anywhere people are willing to learn.

The EGU recognises with this award the substantial contribution of Philip Heron to geoscience outreach through 'Think Like a Scientist' and encourages him to continue his work in outreach following Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles, and creating opportunities for deep engagement and life-changing experiences.