By: Alison Rutka
12 Nov, 2024
Former CIFAR Fellow Paul Hoffman awarded the 2024 Kyoto Prize for Groundbreaking Work in Earth Sciences
November 12, 2024
The Kyoto Prize, often referred to as Japan’s Nobel Prize, recognizes extraordinary achievements in science, technology and the arts
CIFAR is thrilled to congratulate geologist Paul Hoffman, who has been awarded the 2024 Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences for his groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of Earth’s ancient climate and geological evolution. Hoffman’s contributions to the “Snowball Earth” hypothesis were developed in the 1990s when he was a part of CIFAR’s Earth System Evolution program. Done alongside another former CIFAR Fellow Daniel Schrag, the work revolutionized perspectives on global climate and continues to influence research on climate and planetary life
Snowball Earth posits that the growth of glaciers at the Earth’s poles catalyzed climate shifts until the planet was entirely covered in ice, which was followed by periods of rapid warming that potentially set the stage for significant evolutionary milestones. This bold hypothesis sparked extensive investigation and debate within the scientific community, making it a cornerstone of modern Earth system science. Research into earth sciences remains ongoing at CIFAR, today under the mantle of the Earth 4D: Subsurface Science & Exploration program.
“At CIFAR, we are incredibly proud to see Dr. Hoffman’s visionary work recognized on a global stage,” says CIFAR President & CEO, Stephen Toope. “His research embodies CIFAR’s aspiration to mobilize the world’s most brilliant people across disciplines to advance transformative knowledge and solve humanity’s biggest problems, together.”
Toope added, “CIFAR has always been committed to advancing fundamental research, particularly work that holds potential to reshape our understanding of the world in profound ways. This award underscores the critical role CIFAR plays in nurturing ideas that are ahead of their time.”
The Kyoto Prize, often referred to as Japan’s Nobel Prize, recognizes extraordinary achievements in science, technology and the arts. This honour not only celebrates Hoffman’s career but also highlights the lasting impact of CIFAR’s commitment to nurturing bold ideas that shape the future.
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