PRESS RELEASE | BRUSSELS | 11 NOVEMBER 2017
European Federation of Geologists (EFG) awards its Medal of Merit to Iain Stewart
A passionate geologist, an inspiring professor, a charismatic science broadcaster. Iain Stewart is one of those rare people whose personality, and resume, stands out by their richness and uniqueness. It then comes as no surprise that this Scottish geologist, currently Professor of Geoscience Communication at the University of Plymouth (UK), was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2013 for services to geology and science communication.
With much honour and excitement, EFG has decided, in 2016, to award Iain Stewart with its Medal of Merit for his outstanding contribution in elevating the profile of geology around the world. It is the first time ever that the EFG Medal of Merit is awarded to an individual who is not a European Geologist (EurGeol) title holder, opening thus the scope of the medal and emphasising even more the merit of Iain Stewart in communicating geoscience to the public, notably through his famous television programmes.
The official award ceremony took place in Brussels, on 11 November 2017, in the framework of EFG’s 74th Council Meeting and Professor Stewart delivered, at this occasion, an inspiring speech on the important role geoscientists have for society.
Internationally known both for his academic expertise and charismatic ability to communicate with the general public, Professor Stewart’s expertise is in the area of Earth hazards and natural disasters, particularly in identifying past major earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions in the Mediterranean region. Through his television programmes he has brought the reality of geology to the general public in showing globally how geology has generated the environment in which we live, the catastrophic forces that have affected mankind and the climate change issues that shape our future.
The EFG Council was indeed honoured by the presence of Iain Stewart who brought up many suggestions on how to communicate geosciences more efficiently towards policy makers and society.
About EFG: The European Federation of Geologists is a non-governmental organisation that was established in 1980 and includes today 26 national association members. EFG is a professional organisation whose main aims are to contribute to a safer and more sustainable use of the natural environment, to protect and inform the public and to promote a more responsible exploitation of natural resources. EFG’s members are National Associations whose principal objectives are based in similar aims. The guidelines to achieve these aims are the promotion of excellence in the application of geology and the creation of public awareness of the importance of geoscience for the society.
More information: www.eurogeologists.eu
Contact: EFG Executive Director Isabel Fernández Fuentes (isabel.fernandez@eurogeologists.eu) and EFG Communication Officer Anita Stein (anita.stein@eurogeologists.eu).
