News Release

Springer Series editor John Smol receives 2 prestigious biology awards

Scientist honored for his research in environmental and aquatic science

Grant and Award Announcement

Springer

John Smol of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, has just received the 2009 Killam Prize as well as one of the five prestigious Premier's Discovery Awards for 2009. These two prizes follow the honor of being named one of the Environmental Scientists of the Year by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2008. Smol, a biology professor, is series editor of the Springer book series Developments in Paleoenvironmental Research.

Smol is Canada Research Chair in Environmental Change and is considered to be one of the world's leading environmental scientists. He has made cardinal discoveries, developed innovative techniques and research protocols, and published over 350 journal articles and book chapters, as well as 16 books. He has also been honored with over 30 national and international awards, spanning the fields of biology and environmental and aquatic science.

The Killam citation describes how John Smol has worked to transform a largely descriptive study of natural and human impacts on lakes into a recognized quantitative science with powerful analytical properties. The citation also says his groundbreaking research on lake acidification, climate change, and land use change has permanently altered views regarding the extent to which human activities affect the natural environment, and prompted key public policy and program development worldwide.

The Discovery Award citation states that Smol has provided important insights into acid rain, climate change, biodiversity, fisheries, contaminant transport and other lake and river management issues, and led to the development of applications for effective ecosystem management.

About these awards:

Inaugurated in 1981, the Killam Prizes were created to honor eminent Canadian scholars and scientists actively engaged in research. Canada's most distinguished awards for outstanding career achievements in health sciences, engineering, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, the $100,000 prizes are presented annually by the Canada Council for the Arts. Smol's award is in the field of Natural Sciences.

The Discovery Awards are part of the Premier's Innovation Awards, supporting and promoting ideas and discoveries that build on Ontario's innovation strengths. Nominees are evaluated on the impact of their work and its contributions to Ontario's economy and society, as well as the extent of their international recognition. Smol will receive $500,000 in the field of Life Sciences and Medicine.

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