Scripps Oceanography to Honor NASA Climate Scientist James E. Hansen
James E. Hansen selected as recipient of the 2008 Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest
For his invaluable contributions to climate research, the William Nierenberg Family and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego has announced James E. Hansen as the 2008 recipient of the 2008 Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest.
Hansen, the NASA scientist and leading authority on global climate research, will be honored 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at The Forum Theater of the La Jolla Playhouse on the UC San Diego Campus, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The public is invited to attend the brief award ceremony followed by a presentation by Hansen entitled, "The Threat of the Planet: The Dark and Bright Sides of Global Warming."
Admission is free. Reservations are not necessary, but seating and parking is limited. Public inquiries can be directed to Dyanne Hoffman, 858-534-8490 or dhoffman@ucsd.edu.
The Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest was created to honor the memory of William A. Nierenberg, who was director of UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography for 21 years. A bronze medal and a $25,000 prize are awarded each year for outstanding contributions to science in the public interest. The award was created and is supported by gifts from the Nierenberg Family.
Past recipients of this coveted award include Harvard naturalist E.O. Wilson (2001); newsman Walter Cronkite (2002); marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco (2003); primatologist Dame Jane Goodall (2004); nature filmmaker Sir David Attenborough (2005); technology innovator Gordon Moore (2006), and genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter (2007).
About Scripps Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world’s most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we embrace a culture of exploration and experimentation. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to look deeper, challenge expectations and redefine conventional wisdom. As one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at ucsd.edu.