Prof Steven Chown awarded the first Martha T Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica
An outstanding researcher and world renowned advisor to the Antarctic Treaty System, Professor Steven Chown of Stellenbosch University, South Africa, has been named the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica (www.museprize.org). Professor Chown is a widely published and cited authority on invasive species and the effect of climate change and human interactions on Antarctica. The Selection Committee of leading Antarctic scientists and policy makers cited his outstanding contributions to both science and policy in Antarctica. Professor Chown plays a critical role in Antarctic policy by leading the delegation of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) at the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCMs). His advice and leadership has been pivotal in advising policy makers in a wide range of environmental stewardship issues before the ATCM’s Committee on Environmental Protection.
Professor Chown will be awarded the Prize and deliver the Muse Lecture at the Oslo International Polar Year Conference in June 2010 and will also be a guest of honor at the SCAR Open Science Conference in Buenos Aires in August 2010.
A Press Release with further details has just been issued and can be downloaded from http://www.scar.org/media/pressreleases/Muse_PressRelease.pdf
In addition from the NRF: Just recently, the NRF, along with its Norwegian partner, the Research Council of Norway [RCN] hosted a research seminar on climate change and environment. The seminar was officially opened by Queen Sonja of Norway in the presence of King Harald, ambassadors, ministers, public officials – and the seminar participants. In the course of the seminar, the DG of the RCN, Arvid Hallén, specifically made mention of the 2010 OSLO IPY Conference and expressed the hope that this event will further cement the polar research cooperation between South African and Norwegian scientists as we move into a next phase of our bilateral research cooperation. Little did we know at the time that Steven will be delivering the inaugural Muse Lecture at this event – and will most likely set a distinct tone for the deliberations there! We look forward to an engaging and forward-pointing address.
This is indeed an honour for Africa, to be awarded the first Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica. Prof Chown is also a dedicated advocate of transformation and capacity building especially of previously disadvantaged individuals.
