Charles Walcott Medal

The Charles D. Walcott Medal is an award given by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. It recognizes scientists who have made significant contributions to the study of invertebrate paleontology—learning about ancient, soft-bodied animals and fossils. Named after Charles Walcott, a pioneering paleontologist, the medal honors outstanding research that advances understanding of life’s history through fossils. Recipients are acknowledged for their impactful work, often expanding scientific knowledge and inspiring future studies in the field of paleontology.