Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education

The Eugene P. Odum Award celebrates sustained, outstanding work in ecology education. This award was generously endowed by, and named for, the distinguished ecologist Eugene P. Odum. Through teaching, outreach, mentoring and/or other educational scholarship activities, recipients of this award have demonstrated their exceptional abilities to help others learn about ecology and its relevance to humanity. Nominations recognizing achievements in education in universities, K–12 schools, and other contexts are all encouraged.

Introduced in the year 2000, recipients are recognized with:

$1,000 cash award
$700 travel award
A special trophy

Past Recipients

Recent recipients include: Luanna Prevost, Kari O’Connell, Jorge Ramos, Laurel J. Anderson, George Middendorf, Jennifer Funk.

All Recipients

Awards Committee

Explore this year’s members.

Committee Members

News

Nature’s Portfolio: How Diversity Buffers Ecosystems Against Change

In a new synthesis paper, researchers examine the ecological structures and processes that help ecosystems withstand disturbances while continuing to provide the benefits that people and wildlife depend on.

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Woodcock charge deer to defend nests, UMaine researchers find

Researchers captured what may be the first recorded evidence of nesting birds aggressively driving away deer.

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June research news from the Ecological Society of America

The origins of Snake River trout, a simple means of improving prairie restoration and more from ESA’s journals.

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Media Tip Sheet: AI in ecology at ESA’s 2026 Annual Meeting

At the ESA Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, presentations across the program will examine how ecologists are adapting AI technologies for use in the study and stewardship of natural systems.

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Explore ESA's Publishing Program

The Ecological Society of America has over 100 years of journal publishing history and offers some of the most widely read and cited journals in the field of ecology. The seven journals in our portfolio encompass a wide range of paper types to include an array of aims and scope of study, making them an important and accessible outlet for scientists, researchers, practitioners, professionals, citizen scientists, and others seeking to publish their work. ESA staff provide editorial support with our publishing partner, John Wiley & Sons, and several discounts towards publication in ESA journals are available from our publisher and from ESA. Publishing in ESA journals contributes to ESA programs for students, early career researchers, and underrepresented groups, and we thank our editors, reviewers, authors, and readers for their support.

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Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education