UAF scientist receives Arctic medal

February 1, 2016

Photo by Yuri Bult-Ito. IARC chief scientist John Walsh has been awarded the 2016 International Arctic Science Committee Medal.

The International Arctic Science Committee has awarded University of Alaska Fairbanks professor John Walsh the 2016 IASC Medal.

The medals are awarded in recognition of exceptional and sustained contributions to the understanding of the Arctic. A maximum of one award is made each year, if there is a nominee of appropriate quality.

Upon reviewing nominations received, the IASC Medal Committee unanimously decided to honor Walsh, chief scientist at the UAF International Arctic Research Center. The committee recognized his exceptional contributions to modeling and evaluating climate change impacts in the Arctic and his outstanding record of service and leadership to the wider Arctic science, education and policy community.

“This is a well-deserved recognition. His dedication, insights and collegiality are inspiring,” said IARC director Hajo Eicken.

Photo by Yuri Bult-Ito. IARC chief scientist John Walsh gives a presentation.

Walsh joined IARC as chief scientist and president’s professor of global change in 2001 after spending nearly 30 years on the faculty at the University of Illinois. He is internationally recognized as an expert on climate change.

He served as a lead author of the 2005 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, a lead author of the Polar Regions chapter for the 2007 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and a convening lead author in the third U.S. National Climate Assessment in 2014.

In addition to his research work, Walsh’s dedication to expanding public understanding of Arctic climate science and climate change is well known. He has frequently given presentations at public gatherings and responded to journalists covering climate change.

The president of IASC presents the medal during the Arctic Science Summit Week. This year, ASSW will take place on the UAF campus March 12-18.