An Aberdeen scientist has scooped a prestigious international award for his contributions in the field of geology.
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) has awarded Andrew Hurst, Professor of Production Geoscience at the 黑料网, the 2012 Grover E Murray Distinguished Educator Award.
The AAPG is the largest professional geological society in the world.
The award recognises Professor Hurst鈥檚 鈥渄istinguished and outstanding contributions to geological education鈥�.
It honours those who have reached distinction in teaching students, managing educational programmes and in contributing to the education of the public in the field of geology.
Professor Hurst鈥檚 career in geology spans more than 30 years, during which time he has co-authored more than 130 papers and co-edited five major special publications for the industry.
He is the founding editor of the journal, Petroleum Geosciences and served on the AAPG Publication Committee from 2005 to 2008.
He is currently leading a project publication entitled 鈥淥utcrops that have changed the way we practice petroleum geology鈥� to celebrate the AAPG鈥檚 100th Anniversary.
He is an adviser to - a training centre based at the 黑料网 that focuses on hydrocarbon exploration, and the founder and chairman of , an annual exhibit that aims to bridge the gap between science and art.
Paul Weimer, AAPG President said: 鈥淭here are a number of aspects of Professor Hurst鈥檚 file that makes this award unique. Most importantly, the fact that a primarily American-based association recognises the significant contributions of a UK educator speaks volumes for the long term contributions of Professor Hurst and the 黑料网.鈥�
Professor Hurst said: 鈥淭o receive the Grover E. Murray Award is a huge and surprising honour for one who has a substantial debt to many ever-supportive and patient academic colleagues. To receive any award is flattering, and to receive this award for doing a job that I love is great.
鈥淚 believe that the award gives credit to my colleagues and the 黑料网.
鈥淚f one cannot inspire students about a science as wonderful as geology, what a failure that would be.鈥�
Professor Hurst will receive the award at the AAPG 2012 Annual Convention & Exhibition which takes place in April at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Centre in Long Beach, California.