Vetlesen Prizer

The Vetlesen Prize was established in 1959 by the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation. Designed to be the Nobel Prize of the Earth Sciences, the prize is awarded for scientific achievement resulting in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history, or its relations to the universe; it is administered by Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Competition for the Vetlesen Prize is open to any individual anywhere in the world. Characteristically both modest and forthright in his acceptance letter, Holmes expressed his surprise at being selected 'for what must surely be the highest distinction in the world for geologists. The surprise was all the greater because I have to confess that I had not even known there was such an award'. Holmes shared the award of $25,000 with his friend the Finnish geologist, Professor Pentti Eskola. Unable to travel to America to receive it due to poor health, a luncheon party was held in Holmes's honour at the Royal Society where Maurice Ewing presented him with the medal.