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.
Nomination Process
If you are interested in putting forward a nominee, please review the nomination information below 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 of Stanford University (2026)
José A. Martinez-Cruzado (2023)
CB 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 2026 Bruce Bolt Medal is June 30, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Incomplete nomination packages will not be considered by the Joint Selection Committee.
A complete nomination package must include the following:
A nomination letter, written and submitted by the chief nominator. It should be no longer than two pages and must address the ways in which the candidate meets all three of the selection criteria provided below.
A Curriculum Vitae for the nominee or a substantial summary of the professional history of the candidate including employment, significant publications, honors, activities, and accomplishments relevant to the Bolt Medal criteria.
The current contact information for the candidate.
The nomination must be endorsed by three additional individuals, either by adding their signature to the nominating letter or by providing an additional individual letter of support. Such individual letters should include a personal perspective on the nominee and their sustained impact on the field.
A signed nominator disclosure form signed by the chief nominator. Click here to download this form.
Please note, the nomination form requires a google account to submit. If you do not have a google account, you can submit your materials by sending them in an email to boltmedal@eeri.org
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.
