In 2010, DKNVS celebrated its 250th anniversary, and NTNU celebrated its centennial. The first Gunnerus Award in Sustainability Science was awarded in 2012 to the Indian-American scientist, Dr. Kamal Bawa, from the University of Massachusetts. See also www.dknvs.no

The field of sustainability science advances our scientific understanding of the dynamics of human-environmental systems. Sustainability science is therefore a synthesis, integration and awareness of different scientific disciplines that recognizes the interaction between natural and human systems, and can aid in the transition to sustainable systems.  

The Gunnerus Sustainability Science Award will be presented to a scholar who has made outstanding contribution to sustainability science within the fields of the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or technological sciences, either through interdisciplinary work or through work within one of these fields. Candidates who have shown that their scientific results have been translated into active policy and applied into expedient management systems, will be prioritized. The candidate must be of exceptional scientific quality assessed by published work and scientific impact. The candidate’s accomplishment should contribute to a richness of social benefit to humanity within the framework of sustainability, and contribute to changing perceptions or methodologies within the field of sustainability science.

The 2017 Award will be given to one scientist, or in the case of closely related fundamental scientific contributions, may be shared between two scientists. The Award winner will receive NOK 1 million (approximately USD 130,000), a gold medal, and a diploma.