Roland Bürgmann, UC Berkeley professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science and the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, has been awarded the 2026 Arthur L. Day Prize and Lectureship. This honor is bestowed upon a scientist for making lasting contributions to the study of physics of the Earth and whose lectures will provide solid, timely, and useful additions to the knowledge and literature in the field.
Bürgmann was recognized for developing important work that has transformed our understanding of how the lower crust and upper mantle respond to large stress changes from earthquakes. "His landmark contributions shed light on the physics of the Earth, from lithospheric rheology and the earthquake cycle to hydrogeodesy, slow fault slip, and natural hazards. By integrating geodesy, satellite remote sensing, and field observations, Bürgmann has revealed how tectonic stresses accumulate and are released through faulting and crustal deformation."
"The Day Prize was a complete surprise, but a great reminder of how lucky I am to have been working with the most amazing group of students, postdocs, and colleagues at Berkeley and beyond," said Bürgmann.
Bürgmann will receive a $50,000 prize and funds to present a series of Day Lectures. He will be presented with his award during the 163rd NAS Annual Meeting on April 26, 2026.