The purpose of the Scientist Emeritus Program is for retired USGS senior scientists/experts to volunteer their expertise, intellect, and creativity in efforts that allow them to remain active in the geoscience community, enhance the programmatic activities of the Geologic Discipline, and serve the public. The program is part of the Volunteer for Science Program as defined in Chapter 500.23 of the U.S Geological Survey Manual.

The SE Program is open to all scientists and technical experts who have demonstrated leadership qualities and contributed to the goals of the USGS during a productive career. As long as the individual applying has been a scientist or technical expert, the series, grade or title will not prohibit that individual from being considered for the SE Program. Those who don’t qualify for the SE Program should consider becoming part of the USGS Volunteer for Science Program .

Scientists Emeriti can contribute to the USGS in many ways:

• Continue scientific investigations and complete products
• Start new areas of research that are of importance to the USGS and the Nation
• Provide expertise in support of USGS projects and programs
• Provide seasoned counsel to managers and individual scientists
• Mentor current or new employees and students
• Provide an institutional memory within the Federal Government
• Contribute to professional societies
• Serve on scientific advisory committees
• Provide outreach to community groups about USGS activities and topics related to the scientist’s expertise

List of Current Scientists Emeriti

History of SE Program

The Scientist Emeritus (SE) Program has been an important component of the Geologic Discipline's (GD) service to the Nation since its inception in 1986 as part of the USGS Volunteer for Science Program. See Chapter 500.23 of the Survey Manual and the Volunteer for Science Handbook for additional details. The SE Program offers retirees an opportunity to continue their professional association with the USGS and contribute their time and talents to a wide variety of projects.

In 1996, GD introduced the Bradley Scholar component of the SE Program “ to promote innovative basic research in solid earth sciences.” The Program was named in honor of W.H. Bradley, Chief Geologist from 1944-1959, for his dedication to high-quality research. The Program offered a special opportunity for SE “ to pursue studies of scientific excellence not necessarily related to existing Division Programs.” It was the intent of this Program that Bradley Scholars would address “ new fields of research in the geologic sciences.” Participation in this Program was through a competitive process and was initially limited to a few individuals per year. Although proposed research could span from 1 to 3 years, funding after the first year was contingent upon the results of an annual review. This Program ran for several years but was terminated due to budget cuts.