For advancing the field of geology, notably through his research on landform evolution.
Olav Slaymaker has made exceptional contributions to the field of geomorphology. Professor emeritus and former head of the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia, he has studied landform evolution of the alpine and Arctic regions of Canada, Europe and Ethiopia. His research examines how human activity and climate affect the environment as well as where and how we live. He has also been a leading voice in raising awareness on global environmental change, and has helped highlight its importance through his involvement with a number of national and international scientific organizations.