This award promotes research on the geology of the state of Indiana. It was established to honor Professor Emeritus John Barratt Patton, former chair of the department and director of the Indiana Geological Survey, on December 31, 1986. Patton was a faculty member from 1949-86, including lengthy terms as chair and state geologist. The awards are determined by committee, which is composed of the chair of the department and the director of the Indiana Geological Survey.