Verner E. Suomi Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies
Overview
The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is accepting applications for the 2026 Verner E. Suomi Scholarship.
About the Scholarship and Verner E. Suomi
This award commemorates Professor Verner E. Suomi’s lifelong dedication to undergraduate teaching and mentorship at UW–Madison. Suomi served as the founding director of the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), established CIMSS, and was a founding faculty member of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Often called the “father of satellite meteorology,” he made transformative contributions to the field and is regarded as one of the most influential meteorologists of the 20th century.
Award
A select group of exceptional graduating high school seniors will receive a $3,000 Verner E. Suomi Scholarship and a certificate of recognition. The scholarship amount will be applied toward the recipient’s freshman year of undergraduate study.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school seniors who intend to enroll in an undergraduate program within the University of Wisconsin System in one of the following or closely related areas: atmospheric science, meteorology, remote sensing, environmental science, applied physics, data science, or a related discipline.
- The scholarship is designated for use during the freshman year.
Application materials (required)
1. High school transcripts, including coursework and grades through the end of the Fall 2025 semester.
2. A completed application form (fillable PDF with any required supporting documents).
3. A one-page personal essay explaining your interest in atmospheric science, meteorology, remote sensing, environmental science, applied physics, data science, or a related area. In the essay, describe your career objectives and outline your participation in science-related clubs, projects, honors received, and relevant volunteer or extracurricular activities.
4. One letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher, or from a principal/guidance counselor.
Submission instructions and deadline
Combine all materials into a single PDF and submit by the April deadline to maria.vasys@ssec.wisc.edu. All application components must be included in that single PDF and submitted no later than the April deadline.