Bolt Medal
The Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data (CESMD) is a cooperative center established by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Geological Survey (CGS) to integrate earthquake strong-motion data from the CGS California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program, the USGS National Strong Motion Project, and the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS). The CESMD provides raw and processed strong-motion data for earthquake engineering applications.
The award was created after the passing of Professor Bolt, and the first award was given in 2009.
About Bruce Bolt
Bruce Alan Bolt (1930-2005) was arguably the founder of Engineering Seismology. Professor Bolt was both an internationally recognized seismologist and an elected Member of the National Academy of Engineering. Among his many roles, he was the Founding President of COSMOS, President of SSA, President of IASPEI, and Chair of the California Seismic Safety Commission. He was truly a pioneer at the intersection of Earthquake Science and Earthquake Engineering.
Bruce Bolt Medal – 2027 Call for Nominations
If you are interested in putting forward a nominee, please review the nomination information below and contact the committee at boltmedal@eeri.org.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Bruce Bolt Medal. The submission deadline is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
The Bruce Bolt Medal honors the legacy of Bruce A. Bolt (1930–2005), a pioneer in engineering seismology and Founding President of COSMOS.
The award is jointly presented by COSMOS, the EERI, and the SSA. It recognizes individuals worldwide whose work advances the intersection of seismology and earthquake engineering and contributes to improved seismic safety.
Award Focus
The Bruce Bolt Medal recognizes individuals who:
Advance strong-motion instrumentation or data processing and utilization
Make significant technical contributions to earthquake engineering or engineering seismology
Demonstrate leadership in translating knowledge into practice or public policy
Nomination Link
Members of COSMOS, EERI, and SSA are encouraged to nominate qualified candidates.
Submit a complete nomination package using the official form: https://forms.gle/JWty226iups5CfXKA
Required Nomination Materials
A complete nomination package must include:
A nomination letter (maximum two pages) addressing all selection criteria
Curriculum Vitae or professional summary of the nominee
Current contact information for the nominee
Endorsement by three additional individuals
Signed nominator disclosure form
Selection Criteria
Nominees must demonstrate excellence in all of the following:
Promotion or advancement of strong-motion instrumentation and/or data use
Technical contributions in earthquake engineering or engineering seismology
Leadership in applying knowledge to practice or policy that improves seismic safety
Nomination Process
If you are interested in putting forward a nominee, please review the nomination information and contact the committee at boltmedal@eeri.org.
Selection Criteria
In the spirit of Bruce Bolt’s contribution to the science, the chosen recipient must meet all of the following three criteria:
Promotion of strong-motion instrumentation or advancing strong-motion data processing or publicly-available data utilization
Technical contributions in earthquake engineering or engineering seismology
Leadership in the transfer of knowledge into practice or policy that has led to improved seismic safety.
Past Recipients
Dr. Eduardo Miranda (2026)
Kenneth W. Campbell (2025)
José A. Martinez-Cruzado (2023)
C.B. Crouse (2022)
Yousef Bozorgnia (2019)
Jonathan Stewart (2018)
Farzad Naeim (2017)
Roger D. Borcherdt (2016)
John Anderson (2015)
Anthony F. Shakal (2014)
Mustafa Erdik (2013)
Norman A. Abrahamson (2012)
Kojiro Irikura (2011)
David Boore (2010)
Wilfred D. (Bill) Iwan (2009)
Nomination Material
COSMOS, EERI, and SSA members are encouraged to nominate a colleague or peer for this prestigious honor. Complete nomination packages should be submitted using this form.
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2027 Bruce Bolt Medal is June 30, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Incomplete nomination packages will not be considered by the Joint Selection Committee.
Annual Timeline (Approximate Timing & Activity)
May 1- First announcement, nomination form opens
June 30 - Nomination deadline, form closes
August 31- Bruce Bolt Award Selection Committee submits recommendation for winner to EERI, SSA, and COSMOS
October - Winner notified by Selection Committee Chair
About the Selection Committee
The Bruce Bolt Award Selection Committee is responsible for selecting one annual recipient of the Bruce Bolt Medal from amongst the submitted nominations, and preparing a written recommendation to the EERI, SSA, and COMOS Board of Directors for endorsement and approval.
The committee also helps to advertise and solicit nominations during the nomination period. The committee will consist of 6-voting members. Each organization will appoint two members to the committee.
