Earth scientists at the University of Iceland won the University of Iceland annual forum award this morning. This award is now presented for the third time and is intended to honour a group or team who have demonstrated particular enterprise and leadership in their work at the University.
"The University of Iceland boasts a particularly impressive group of earth scientists working at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, the Institute of Earth Sciences and the Nordic Volcanological Centre, who together have played a key role in connection with the volcanic activity on Reykjanes peninsula over the last few months," said the rector at the University's annual forum this morning.
"This group includes, for example, geologists, geophysicists, seismologists and geochemists who have performed remarkable feats over the past months, their knowledge, professionalism, experience and selflessness highlighting the importance and quality of the work that happens at the University of Iceland every day."
Essential information for the government and the public
Jón Atli added that besides conducting vital research, the University of Iceland's earth scientists had worked tirelessly to share information and knowledge with Icelandic society, which has always been a priority at the University of Iceland.
"They have informed and collaborated with the media to ensure that the public has access to the most accurate information available at the time and that we understand daily events as we follow them on the television, in the newspapers and online."
Jón Atli explained that the scientists had also worked with and advised the government and the Department of Civil Protection in order to help the authorities make informed and sensible decisions guided by public interests.
"I am convinced that this active dialogue between our earth scientists and the public, though the authorities and the media, has made a significant impact. This is particularly true in a time when misleading information and lack of confidence in science are growing problems. We want to use these awards to highlight the incredible work that takes place every day at the University of Iceland – work which deserves recognition, in the areas of teaching and learning, research and innovation, equality, public outreach, or student initiatives, to name just a few examples," said the rector this morning.
Freysteinn Sigmundsson, head of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, accepted the award on behalf of all earth scientists at the University, accompanied by Anna Jóna Baldursdóttir, Ármann Höskuldsson, Bryndís Brandsdóttir, Chiara Lanzi, who was the PhD student representative, Eniko Bali, Esther Ruth Guðmundsdóttir, Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir, Halldór Geirsson, Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson, Rikke Pedersen, Steffen Mischke, Sæmundur Ari Halldórsson and Þorvaldur Þórðarson.
The award winners are selected jointly by the rector and the deans of all five schools at the University of Iceland.