History of SE Program

Scientist Emeritus Al Merewether.

The Scientist Emeritus (SE) Program has been an important component of the Geologic Discipline's (GD) service to the Nation since its inception in 1986 as part of the USGS Volunteer for Science Program. See Chapter 500.23 of the Survey Manual and the Volunteer for Science Handbook for additional details. The SE Program offers retirees an opportunity to continue their professional association with the USGS and contribute their time and talents to a wide variety of projects.

In 1996, GD introduced the Bradley Scholar component of the SE Program “ to promote innovative basic research in solid earth sciences.” The Program was named in honor of W.H. Bradley, Chief Geologist from 1944-1959, for his dedication to high-quality research. The Program offered a special opportunity for SE “ to pursue studies of scientific excellence not necessarily related to existing Division Programs.” It was the intent of this Program that Bradley Scholars would address “ new fields of research in the geologic sciences.” Participation in this Program was through a competitive process and was initially limited to a few individuals per year. Although proposed research could span from 1 to 3 years, funding after the first year was contingent upon the results of an annual review. This Program ran for several years but was terminated due to budget cuts.