Centre Director wins prestigious international award

The Director of the Centre for Aquatic Environments, Professor Chris Joyce, has been recognised for his wetland research by the world’s leading organisation representing wetland professionals.

Professor Joyce, an ecologist in the School of Environment and Technology who specialises in the study of wetland vegetation, management and restoration, has received a special 40^th Anniversary Award from the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS).  The SWS exists to promote the understanding, conservation and science-based management of wetlands.  It has about 3500 members in over 60 countries representing governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, academia and private consulting.  The SWS Award to Professor Joyce is for his “high level and sustained contributions to wetland research and education”.

Professor Joyce was nominated by his peers in the SWS.  Dr Matthew Simpson, President of the European Chapter of the SWS, commented “We are very pleased to formally recognise Professor Joyce’s achievements as he has made a major contribution to wetland science over the last 25 years, particularly in the field of wetland plant ecology. He has also been an important leader in supporting the development of a network of wetland scientists across Europe helping encourage fellow researchers in their endeavours”.

Reflecting on the award, Professor Joyce said: ““I am honoured to have received a 40^th Anniversary Award from the Society of Wetland Scientists in recognition of my career in wetland research and education.  The Society is home to the best wetland scientists and practitioners in the world, so to be recognised by so many eminent people for the work I do at the University of Brighton is very humbling.  Wetlands are, in my opinion, the most important ecosystems in the world for their biodiversity and other services, such as carbon storage.  I hope this award will help raise the profile of these wonderful, fascinating environments”.