BROWN-NICHOLS SCIENCE AWARD

The Brown-Nichols Science Award was established in 2008 in honor of the significant contributions of Dr. Randall Brown and Dr. Frederic Nichols. Each made substantive contributions to science through research, by facilitating good science by others, and by communicating science to managers and policy makers in the San Francisco Estuary and watershed. Together they laid the foundations for the first Bay-Delta Science Conference.

Nomination Information

The award is given at each Bay-Delta Science Conference to recognize the contributions of a scientist for significant research and active involvement in facilitating the use of science to manage the San Francisco Estuary and watershed.

Nominations are encouraged for scientists who meet the following criteria. We encourage nominations for scientists from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women.

The nomination period has closed. The deadline for submission of nomination packages was July 8, 2026.

Candidates for the award are evaluated on the following criteria:

The candidate conducts significant scientific research in the San Francisco Estuary and watershed.
The candidate makes significant scientific contributions to the development of management strategies or policies.
The candidate facilitates the practice of good science by others through management, mentoring, or collaboration.
The candidate has an impact through science communication and encourages scientific literacy through engagement and outreach activities.
Contributions of the candidate are broadly recognized as important by scientists, agencies, and others working in the Bay-Delta.
Nomination package requirements:

• Nomination letter (written by the Nominator, 4 page maximum)

• Nominator contact information and relationship to Nominee

• Nominee contact information and Curriculum Vitae

• Letters in support of the nomination: no more than five. Submit nomination packages as a PDF via e-mail to: brownnichols@deltacouncil.ca.gov.

The nomination period has closed. The deadline for submission of nomination packages was July 8, 2026.

Questions? Contact brownnichols@deltacouncil.ca.gov.

2026 Brown-Nichols Science Award Winner

Dr. Janet (Jan) K. Thompson has been honored by her peers as the recipient of

the 2026 Brown-Nichols Science Award. A research scientist with the United

States Geological Survey who has studied the Bay-Delta for more than 50 years,

she has fundamentally changed the way we understand and manage the estuary.

Jan’s work has reshaped the conceptual model of the estuary by connecting

disciplines that are often considered separately and demonstrating the central

role of benthic communities in driving ecosystem dynamics.

Beyond her impressive scientific contributions, Jan has been a stalwart champion for women in science and an especially important mentor to early-career women scientists. Her scientific insight, interdisciplinary perspective, and commitment to supporting others have left an enduring mark on both the Bay-Delta and its scientific community.

Here is a list of all previous Brown-Nichols Science Award winners:

2024 - Matt Nobriga

2021 - Dr. Larry Brown

2018 - Ted Sommer

2016 - Dr. Jeffrey Mount

2014 - Anke Mueller-Solger

2012 - Wim Kimmerer

2012 - Jim Cloern

2010 - Peter B. Moyle

2008 - Samuel N. Luoma