Influence of Tasmanian oceanographer recognised internationally

University of Tasmania oceanographer Professor Phil Boyd has received the 2015 A.G. Huntsman Award for his world-leading contribution to marine sciences. 

The prestigious award, presented by the Royal Society of Canada, honours marine scientists of any nationality who have made a significant influence on the course of marine scientific thought. 

The Society recognised Professor Boyd's "remarkable ability to conceive and lead trans-disciplinary projects that that have resulted in a more realistic understanding of a wide range of inextricably linked ocean processes."

Professor Boyd is a Professor of Marine Biogeochemistry at the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), a project leader with the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC) and a theme leader in the Australian Research Council's Special Research Initiative for Antarctic Gateway Partnership.

Professor Boyd is a leading international expert in marine biochemistry. His fields of research include iron biogeochemistry and ocean iron fertilisation, the ocean biological pump and organic matter export and climate change impacts on ocean planktonic ecosystems.

IMAS Executive Director Professor Richard Coleman congratulated Professor Boyd on the achievement.

"IMAS is privileged to have researchers and lecturers of this calibre contributing to global knowledge and understanding of our oceans and teaching and inspiring our students," he said.

"The international reach and respect for this Tasmanian Institute continues to grow because of the exceptional talent of people like Professor Boyd."

Established by the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in 1980, the award, which Professor Boyd was nominated for in 2014, commemorates Archibald Gowanlock Huntsman (1883–1972), pioneer Canadian oceanographer and fisheries biologist.

Authorised by the Executive Director, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
1 May, 2018