A Senior Research Fellow from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) has been recognised for their outstanding contributions to marine biology research with a prestigious award.
Dr Dan Smale has been awarded the Prix d’Excellence by The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
The award, which is presented every third year, acknowledges the highest level of achievement in marine science.
Dr Smale was nominated by his peers and collaborators for his significant scientific contributions to climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, in particular his research in marine heatwaves and kelp forest ecology.
Dr Smale is also part of the ground-breaking Green Gravel project which uses a pioneering restoration tool to help protect native kelp populations in the UK.
The award committee acknowledged his strong track record of mentoring early career scientists and engaging with a range of government, industry and NGO partners to improve the management and conservation of marine ecosystems.
Dr Smale collected the award at the opening ceremony of the annual ICES meeting, this year held in Gateshead.
He said: “it is a huge honour to be formally recognised by such a well-respected and important organisation in marine sciences. Marine research is very much a team effort and I want to acknowledge all the brilliant collaborators I’ve worked with over the years, many of which have become great friends. In particular I would like to thank the members of our International Working Group on Marine Heatwaves, as our collective work over the past decade has been widely adopted by the marine science community.”
