Folarin Kolawole, an assistant professor at Columbia University and field geologist specializing in continental rifting and ancient faults, is among 15 recipients of the prestigious 2026 National Geographic Society’s Wayfinder Award.
- Kolawole studies fault zones and tectonic stretching in East Africa and California.
- The Wayfinder Award honors bold changemakers advancing planetary knowledge.
- Kolawole’s work supports global collaboration and expanded field research.
What happened
Folarin Kolawole, a geologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, was named one of 15 recipients of the 2026 National Geographic Society’s Wayfinder Award. This honor recognizes individuals making significant contributions to understanding and protecting the planet through scientific and exploration efforts.
Kolawole’s research focuses on tectonic processes that shape continents, including how slow and powerful geological forces cause continents to stretch, break apart, and sometimes trigger earthquakes far from plate boundaries. His work brings new insights into long-term Earth dynamics and helps improve earthquake hazard assessment.
Why it feels good
The recognition by National Geographic affirms the importance of Kolawole’s hands-on field research and collaborative international efforts. As an active field scientist, he values how direct observation and teamwork across borders can lead to deeper discoveries about Earth's inner workings.
Receiving the Wayfinder Award encourages Kolawole to pursue more ambitious geological field campaigns and expand global partnerships. It highlights the impact of his work within a community of visionaries committed to scientific curiosity, environmental stewardship, and education.
What to enjoy or watch next
Kolawole’s future research will likely involve intensified studies of active continental rifts, including the East African Rift system, and further investigations into ancient fault zones. These efforts will advance both basic geological knowledge and practical applications such as earthquake risk evaluation.
National Geographic’s announcement of the 2026 Wayfinder Award recipients includes leaders from diverse fields like conservation biology, climate adaptation, and marine education—offering an inspiring glimpse into new discoveries and initiatives that support planetary health and sustainability.