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Natural Sciences
Top marine science award for UWC marine biologist rofessor Mark Gibbons, the chair of UWC’s Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, was presented with the prestigious Gilchrist Memorial Medal at the 2014 South African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS) in Stellenbosch. Gibbons is one of the youngest ever recipients of the award, established in 1987 by the old South African National Committee recognise contributions to marine science. It is presented at the SAMSS, held every three years (as is common, more than one recipient Coleen Moloney, of the Marine of Cape Town, also received the medal). role in the transformation of South African marine science and many of his past students are playing key roles in the Department of Environmental Affairs and other governmental agencies tasked with directing the marine conservation
UWC marine biologist Professor Mark Gibbons has been awarded the Gilchrist Medal – one of the highest honours that can be bestowed in the South African marine science community.
the award citation. “Through his committed research, he has ensured that the University of the Western Cape can be regarded as a key role player in the Gibbons is perhaps best known for his work on the ecology of ocean and offshore systems, and his particular interest in zooplankton. His recent research focused on gelatinous zooplankton (better known Namibia. “It is a special honour to receive this
award that has been given to a small number of ‘the great and the good’ for
of colleagues in chemistry, biotechnology and pharmacy.
Gibbons notes. “Firstly, because it says that I have made the grade, but more importantly (to me) because it also says
says, “and what it is trying to do for the country and its citizenry. For me, there is no other institution. The students here at UWC have been provided not only with support and inspiration, but also with opportunities, and when my students leave
Gibbons and his colleagues at the BCB department (together accounting for specialties in ecology, taxonomy and algal eco-physiology) are making good headway in gaining a national reputation for whole organism marine biology — with the help
• • Authored/co-authored 6 book chapters, 14 technical reports and 23 popular science articles • • whom were from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
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keynote address of the SAMSS conference, entitled How can we, as a southern African marine science community, improve our ability to understand SeaChange? An illustrative case study. The lecture used his goby work as a vehicle to highlight gaps in our national understanding of marine ecosystems, challenging South African marine scientists and institutions to be more collaborative rather than competitive in these fast-changing times.
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