2011-10-11

Commemorative Lectures by Winners of the Blue Planet Prize 2011

The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) is pleased to host the commemorative lectures to be given by winners of the 2011 Blue Planet Prize on November 11, 2011. This prize recognizes scientific contributions to environmental issues. Winners are invited to NIES every year to address researchers at the institute as well as other members of the Tsukuba community.

This year the recipients of the prize, Dr. Jane Lubchenco (U.S.A) and Mr. Bunker Roy (India) will present a lecture at NIES, as follows:

  • Date: November 11 (Friday), 2011
  • Time: 13:00-15:00
  • Place: Conference Room (Climate Change Research Hall, 1st Floor) at the National Institute for Environmental Studies (16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba)
  • Language: English. There will be no simultaneous interpretation.
  • Cost: This event is free but requires pre-registration.

Please complete the following online application form by November 4 if you would like to attend:

Access:

The National Institute of Environmental Studies is located on Nishi Odori, just north of the intersection of Nishi Odori and Route 354. (The intersection is named "Inarimae".) From Tsukuba Center, drive south on Nishi Odori, past Minami Odori and Doho Park (which will be on your left). Continue south past the west campus of the National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST West) on your right and the Meteorological Research Institute on your left. At the following intersection, turn right (you will see a Coco's restaurant on your left). If you reach Route 354, you have gone too far.

The Climate Change Research Hall is located on the NIES Campus. Immediately after you enter the main gate, turn right. Follow this road and the first building you encounter will be the Climate Change Research Hall. The lecture will be held on the first floor of that building.

Blue Planet Prize

This year marks the 19th in which the Blue Planet Prize has been awarded. The prize is sponsored by the Asahi Glass Foundation, chaired by Hiromichi Seya and is aimed at the international environment field. Each year, two Blue Planet Prizes are awarded to individuals or organizations responsible for outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application - by means of which they have contributed to the solving of global environmental problems. The Board of Directors and Councilors has selected the following recipients for this year. Both recipients will be awarded a certificate of merit, a commemorative trophy and a supplementary award of 50 million yen.

2011 Winners: Dr. Jane Lubchenco (U.S.A) and Mr. Bunker Roy (India.).

photo:Dr. Jane Lubchenco ( USA )  Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Dr. Jane Lubchenco ( USA )
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Dr. Jane Lubchenco has accomplished brilliant academic research in marine ecology, expanding the field into new areas by combining the physical and biological sciences. As one of the most frequently-quoted ecologists in the world, she has had a profound impact on the fields of marine biology and environmental sciences. Her work demonstrates the close relationships between the environment; biodiversity; human health; economics; and national security - and consequently between the environment and human well-being. She has provided a powerful approach for scientists to address environmental issues based on her seminal concept, of a “social contract for scientists”, which links scientists with society.

photo:Barefoot College ( Founded in India ) Mr. Bunker Roy (Founder of Bearfoot College, India)

Barefoot College ( Founded in India )
Mr. Bunker Roy (Founder of Bearfoot College, India)


In its 40 years of grassroots educational programs to eradicate poverty and support the living standards of farming villages in developing countries, this organization has made great strides in assisting residents to resolve numerous issues on their own. The Barefoot College has been expanding its operations from India to other developing nations with problems common to rural farming villages. It has provided expertise for small-scale solar power generation and other new ideas, and implemented educational programs to provide opportunities and systems for learning, in order to facilitate local residents in improving their own situations, while all the time showing due respect for the traditional knowledge of the regions. Thus, the Barefoot College has a long track record of success in the autonomous and sustainable development of ecologically-sound farming communities.