The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco awarded nine international figures with the Albert I Grand Medal during a ceremony on November 22 at the Oceanographic Museum.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco presented recipients with the Grand Medals and the Thesis Prize to five personalities and four young researchers, including explorer Jean-Louis Etienne.
“At a time when the state of health of the Ocean is threatened by pollution, overfishing and excesses of all kinds, initiatives in favour of better knowledge and management of our blue planet are multiplying,” said organizers of the Albert I Grand Medal ceremony in a recent press release.
Each year, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco honours big names in the marine world who, through their commitment and their work, contribute to “Making the Ocean known, loved and protected”.
Created in 1948, the Albert I Grand Medal is the most prestigious prize awarded by the Oceanographic Institute. It recognizes the most noteworthy international actors in ocean sciences and intervention. Winners receive a gilded bronze medal, bearing the profile of Prince Albert I, pioneer of modern oceanography and founder of the Institute.
The Science section rewards a highly qualified researcher in the field of oceanography for their entire career, specific work or an exceptional discovery. The Mediation section highlights the commitment of those who work in the public “to make the voice of the Ocean heard, loudly.”
This year’s winners include explorer and writer Dr. Jean-Louis Étienne (France); Professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Oslo and Professor of marine biology at the University of Agder, Pr. Nils Chr. Stenseth (Norway); and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics, Professor Rashid Ussif Sumaila (Canada).
To support new generations of researchers, the Thesis Prize goes to a young researcher for their thesis work related to the Ocean from a French doctoral school. Winners receive 5,000 euros in aid. This year’s thesis prize went to an oceanographer specializing in the physics of deep-sea ocean currents and post-doctoral researcher at the University of Iceland, Dr. Charly De Marez. Doctor in physics and postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Dr Adrian Van Kan (Germany) received a special mention.
