New Brunswick — Professor John L. Wilkin won the AGU Edward A. Flinn III Award given annually to mid-career or senior scientists, either individually or in a small group, who personifies AGU’s motto ‘unselfish cooperation in research’ through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities. This award is for the unsung heroes who provide the ideas, motivation, and labors of love that build and maintain the infrastructure without which our science could not flourish.
AGU, the world’s largest Earth and space science association, celebrates individuals and teams through its annual Honors and Recognition program for their accomplishments in research, education, science communication, and outreach. These honorees have transformed our understanding of the world, impacted our everyday lives, improved our communities and contributed to solutions for a sustainable future.
Professor Wilkin is the head of the Ocean Modeling Group in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences (DMCS) at Rutgers University. He joined Rutgers in 2001 and is a co-developer of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and operational applications that incorporate data assimilation along the U.S. West and East Coasts. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in oceanography and advises graduate students. He shares this award with his colleagues: Dr. Hernan G. Arango from Rutgers and Professor Andrew M. Moore from UC Santa Cruz (UCSC).
Working with Hernan and Andy for over 20 years has been an absolute joy, and I feel very proud to have been part of the whole ROMS endeavor. And we’re not done yet!
Professor Wilkin joins a distinguished group of scientists, leaders and communicators recognized by AGU for advancing science. Each honoree reflects AGU’s vision for a thriving, sustainable and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation and action.
Honorees will be recognized at AGU25, which will convene in New Orleans, Louisiana on 15-19 December 2025. Reflecting the theme ‘Where Science Connects Us’ at AGU25, the Honors Reception will recognize groundbreaking achievements that illustrate science’s continual advancement, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.
