Christer Åkerman
Christer Åkerman attended his first council meeting as Swedish delegate in June 1992 in Salamanca. Since then he has attended over 30 council meetings turning in an exemplary attendance record. This diligence underlines every aspect of this most professional of professionals.
It might be worth mentioning that on the second occasion that the EFG meeting was held in Sweden (in 1997) the EFG Council was received by the Major of Stockholm in the same place were the Nobel prizes are awarded. This notable event was organized by Gunnar and Christer. It was during that meeting that they had the good idea of serving Spanish red wine in the dinner which crystallised into a brilliant idea of organizing a wine contest. This event has become a standard at EFG meetings and the many contests since then have contributed greatly to internal communication within council. The Spanish particularly thank Christer for this contribution to their ego in the wine contests (often, though not always, won by Spanish wines).
He is also a travelling geologist and has visited many parts of the world, usually leaving his family behind. There is the old saying that the best geologist has seen the most rocks, and on this basis Christer must certainly rank among the best geologists.
We must not forget his contributions to the profession of geology, both in his home country and in Europe more generally. Within Sweden, he has fought throughout his career to raise the profile of geology, playing a leading role in the Academy of Sciences (geology branch) and in the organisation of Geology Days. In Europe, he has led by example in practising his subject to the highest standards both technically and professionally. In both of these areas he has continuously striven to promote the importance of the professional title and CPD – without which we, as professionals, would not be able to face the public.
Christer was President of the EFG from 2002 to 2005 and his term as president was characterized by his flair in running meetings to time, to the Agenda (approximately) and in particular his prudent way of doing things. His enthusiasm (yes even for meetings) is an example to us all, and we have all benefitted when he was providing both his guidance and wit at Council and PP’S Meetings. Christer has done Trojan work over the years on behalf of the EFG. One of his greatest qualities was his ability to “smooth troubled waters” which we know is not always easy when so many Countries are trying to put forward their views, and often in a foreign language. He is a “Great Diplomat” and has superb natural skills in dealing with people from so many “Cultures”.
On top of all this he is a man who always displays the personal attributes of good humour (actually much of his humour is really corny!), a gay outlook on life (in the old fashioned sense) and a deep sincerity in all his personal relationships and dealings. He is always fun to work with, to such an extent that he leads us all through more work than we thought we were actually doing – the mark of a professional colleague and leader.
He has lived his life at the EFG meetings in accordance with the old jungle sayings
All weekends are wonderful days, (is that why we hold our meetings at weekends?) or
I don’t see a problem now , but I am sure that everything will be solved somehow
… and his often terrible jokes.
So in order to Finnish off without Russian you, I will just Czech that we have covered everything and Croatia (create) a toast to congratulate Christer on the well deserved presentation of the EFG’s highest award, the Medal of Merit.
With thanks to Gareth J, John C, Manuel R, Gunnar H, Richard F and others
It might be worth mentioning that on the second occasion that the EFG meeting was held in Sweden (in 1997) the EFG Council was received by the Major of Stockholm in the same place were the Nobel prizes are awarded. This notable event was organized by Gunnar and Christer. It was during that meeting that they had the good idea of serving Spanish red wine in the dinner which crystallised into a brilliant idea of organizing a wine contest. This event has become a standard at EFG meetings and the many contests since then have contributed greatly to internal communication within council. The Spanish particularly thank Christer for this contribution to their ego in the wine contests (often, though not always, won by Spanish wines).
He is also a travelling geologist and has visited many parts of the world, usually leaving his family behind. There is the old saying that the best geologist has seen the most rocks, and on this basis Christer must certainly rank among the best geologists.
We must not forget his contributions to the profession of geology, both in his home country and in Europe more generally. Within Sweden, he has fought throughout his career to raise the profile of geology, playing a leading role in the Academy of Sciences (geology branch) and in the organisation of Geology Days. In Europe, he has led by example in practising his subject to the highest standards both technically and professionally. In both of these areas he has continuously striven to promote the importance of the professional title and CPD – without which we, as professionals, would not be able to face the public.
Christer was President of the EFG from 2002 to 2005 and his term as president was characterized by his flair in running meetings to time, to the Agenda (approximately) and in particular his prudent way of doing things. His enthusiasm (yes even for meetings) is an example to us all, and we have all benefitted when he was providing both his guidance and wit at Council and PP’S Meetings. Christer has done Trojan work over the years on behalf of the EFG. One of his greatest qualities was his ability to “smooth troubled waters” which we know is not always easy when so many Countries are trying to put forward their views, and often in a foreign language. He is a “Great Diplomat” and has superb natural skills in dealing with people from so many “Cultures”.
On top of all this he is a man who always displays the personal attributes of good humour (actually much of his humour is really corny!), a gay outlook on life (in the old fashioned sense) and a deep sincerity in all his personal relationships and dealings. He is always fun to work with, to such an extent that he leads us all through more work than we thought we were actually doing – the mark of a professional colleague and leader.
He has lived his life at the EFG meetings in accordance with the old jungle sayings
All weekends are wonderful days, (is that why we hold our meetings at weekends?) or
I don’t see a problem now , but I am sure that everything will be solved somehow
… and his often terrible jokes.
So in order to Finnish off without Russian you, I will just Czech that we have covered everything and Croatia (create) a toast to congratulate Christer on the well deserved presentation of the EFG’s highest award, the Medal of Merit.
With thanks to Gareth J, John C, Manuel R, Gunnar H, Richard F and others
