Antarctic research medals awarded

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, (SCAR), an international science body which coordinates high-quality international scientific research in the Antarctic region, has announced the winners of its 2014 medals. The medals will be presented during the SCAR Open Science Conference, to be held in Auckland from 25-28 August.

The SCAR Medal for Excellence in Antarctic Research will be awarded to Professor Steven Chown, from the Monash University School of Biological Sciences, in recognition of the profound impact his research has had. Over the past 20 years his work has provided insight into the effects of climate change and biological invasions on Antarctic species and ecosystems; revealed previously unknown patterns in the diversity of life in the region; and helped to ensure better conservation of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, through changes to regulation of the region.

The SCAR Medal for International Scientific Coordination will be awarded jointly to Mahlon ‘Chuck’ Kennicutt and Rasik Ravindra for their collaborative and coordination roles in the science community and the leadership and vision they have both shown to the community. Kennicutt has been at the forefront of international cooperation in subglacial lakes research for over 10 years; demonstrated his ability to gather and develop international cooperation in research planning; and served on the SCAR Executive Committee from 2004-2014

Dr Rasik Ravindra led SCAR’s Capacity Building, Education and Training advisory group, where he provided considerable energy and efforts to bring funds to support early-career scientists, and critical input for the SCAR Visiting Professors scheme. He was key in raising the profile of India, and other Asian countries, in Antarctic research as chairman of the Asian Forum for Polar Sciences (AFOPS), as well as Vice Chair at both COMNAP and the XXIX ATCM. He is acknowledged for building scientific collaborations between European, South American and Australasian countries.

SCAR has congratulated the awardees and wishes them continued success in their scientific endeavours.