USM scientist receives Unesco award for marine research

Marine scientist Aileen Tan made international headlines by being awarded the prestigious Anton Bruun Medal.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in a statement yesterday, said this recognition acknowledges her dedication to ocean and marine research.

She is the director of USM’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs).

“The prestigious award was presented to Tan in conjunction with the 33rd Session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Assembly under the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco), in Paris recently.

“This recognition not only reflects Tan’s excellence in the field of marine ecosystem management and conservation but also proves USM’s capability as a leading higher education institution in world-class research,” the statement read.

In conjunction with the medal conferment, Tan also delivered the prestigious Anton Bruun Memorial Lecture titled “Co-Generating Ocean Solutions: Empowering Coastal Communities through Science and Policy Integration”.

According to USM, Tan’s lecture emphasised the critical need for science to be used for the well-being of all humanity, not merely for the scientific community.

She also urged the implementation of a comprehensive approach that includes all levels of society in sustainable ocean governance.

Tan stressed that science connects humans, and humans are connected to nature. She called for cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure inclusive and implementable ocean solutions.

“As a leader in community-based marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture, Tan also shared success stories resulting from her collaborations with coastal communities in Malaysia, where science has been humanised and created tangible impact and value, translated through increased income, gender empowerment, and continuous ecosystem care,” USM said.

The educational institution said that from oyster farming initiatives to eco-youth entrepreneurship, Tan also emphasised delivering information clearly.

Her practical approach, rooted in local culture, has garnered global attention as an effective and inclusive model for ocean action, USM added.

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The Anton Bruun Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of earth solid studies, physical and chemical oceanography, meteorology, and marine biology, in conjunction with the biennial IOC Assembly.

The medal also recognises individual outstanding contributions in advancing marine science.

This award is not only an acknowledgement of Tan’s decades of dedication in marine science and coastal community development but also symbolises Malaysia’s growing prominence in the global ocean agenda under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

- Bernama

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