Awards are one of the key drivers to encourage scientists and scholars in their research and teaching and to stimulate the development of science and technology. To award honors to scientists for their excellent achievements in geography, in the recent 40 years, GSC has built a comprehensive award system to award and encourage scholars as well as outstanding research results. GSC has launched “China’s Geographical Science Achievement Award”, “National Youth Geographical Science & Technology Award”, “National Outstanding Geography Workers”, “National Outstanding Geography Teacher of Middle Schools”, “National Excellent Books in Geography”, “GSC Excellent Journals”, “GSC Outstanding Editors”, “GSC Outstanding Groups”, “Matacena Foundation Excellent Papers”, etc.

According to the requirement of General Office of the CPC Central Committee, General Office of the State Council, National Coordination Group for Appraisal and Commendation on the award established by social organizations, GSC modified its award system by integrating some of original awards and officially registered at National Award Office. “GSC Science & Technology Award” comprises “Lifetime Achievement Award” and “Youth Science & Technology Award” for individuals, “Scientific Research Award”, “Technological Progress Award” and “Scientific Discovery Award” for the achievements. Moreover, the Society will launch “Matacena Foundation Youth Science & Technology Award”, and will also keep some of previous awards such as “GSC Excellent Journals”, “GSC Outstanding Editors”, “GSC Outstanding Geography Workers”, “GSC Outstanding Groups”.

Besides the awards listed in the system, we have also launched the “Young Talents Support Project”, which is supported by CAST and aims to encourage innovation among young scientists. Furthermore, we also recommend eligible scientists to the selection of the academicians of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)/Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), China Science and Technology Award for Young Scientists, China Young Women Scientists Award, National Outstanding Scientists Award, and other awards issued by Chinese authorities.