International accolade for oceanographer

Professor Johann Lutjeharms is considered a world leader in his field, so no surprises then, you would think, when the European Geosciences Union (EGU) announced late last year that he is to be awarded its Fridtjof Nansen Medal. The medal is one of the union's premier accolades, honouring outstanding scientists in the ocean sciences. What makes the occasion such a big deal is that Lutjeharms is the first Nansen Medal winner from outside Europe or the USA. A big feather, then, in the cap of the Department of Oceanography, UCT and the country. Lutjeharms is to receive the medal at the EGU's general assembly in Vienna, Austria, to be held on April 2-7. He will present the Nansen Lecture at the meeting's awardees dinner.