[1] The awards were first presented in 2003,[1] the same year that WINGS WorldQuest was formed by Milbry Polk and Leila Hadley Luce.
[2] Both the Board of Directors and a Junior Council at the granting organization, WINGS WorldQuest, are involved in selecting the recipients of the Women of Discovery Awards, who are thereafter known as Fellows.
[2]Women of Discovery Awards are given in the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Air and Space, Conservation, Courage, Earth, Field Research, Film and Exploration, Humanity, Leadership, and the Sea.
[3] In addition to its fellowship program, WINGS WorldQuest offers Flag Carrier grants in support of field researchers who are financing explorations.
[1] WINGS WorldQuest Flag Carriers receive grants in support of field research to help finance explorations.