Dan Smale, a leading marine ecologist at the Marine Biological Association (MBA), has been awarded the 2024 ICES Prix d'Excellence at the opening of ICES Annual Science Conference in Gateshead, UK. This prestigious honour recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to marine science. Smale's groundbreaking work in understanding climate change's impact on marine ecosystems has propelled him to the forefront of marine ecology research, with significant academic, policy, and societal influence.
An impressive research career
Smale has published 146 peer-reviewed papers in his 16-year career, with many appearing in leading journals like Science and Nature Climate Change. His work has been cited nearly 20,000 times, an indicator of its widespread influence. A nominator, reflecting on Smale's accomplishments, noted: “Dan has been included on the ISI Highly Cited Researchers list for the past four years and was the third-highest cited UK-based marine scientist last year, which is very impressive given his career stage." This recognition places him among the elite marine scientists globally, highlighting the importance of his work in marine heatwaves, kelp forest ecology, and climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems.
One of Smale's most influential contributions has been his pioneering work on marine heatwaves. His efforts to define and characterize these extreme events have reshaped how scientists, policymakers, and the public understand their effects on marine ecosystems. A colleague emphasized, “His work has spawned a sub-discipline of marine climate change science and has had a huge impact on both academia and beyond."
Leadership and mentorship
In addition to his scientific contributions, Smale has demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship. He has grown a diverse and vibrant research group at the MBA, supporting early career researchers and guiding them to success in their own careers. A former student, now a post-doctoral researcher, praised Smale's mentorship: “He prioritizes helping and encouraging his students and postdocs first and foremost over his own research… Smale shares the stage at every opportunity, continuously promoting the achievements of early career researchers."
This commitment to fostering the next generation of marine scientists has earned him widespread admiration. Smale's research group is known for its inclusive and supportive dynamic, with many of his mentees going on to successful independent research careers.
Real-world impact
Smale's work goes beyond academia, directly informing policy and conservation efforts around the world. His research on marine heatwaves and kelp forests has influenced government programs in the UK, Australia, and South America. “Dan's work on ecosystem services provided by UK kelp forests is guiding the development of government monitoring programs," noted a colleague. His contributions to the global understanding of marine ecosystems and their response to environmental changes have had a tangible impact on conservation and resource management practices.
For example, Smale's work on the ecological benefits of seaweed farming, supported by NGOs like WWF, directly informs policy decisions on licensing and the management of seaweed aquaculture sites. This research is crucial as nations explore sustainable solutions to address climate change and biodiversity loss. His research on blue carbon habitats—ecosystems that capture and store carbon—is increasingly relevant in global discussions about climate mitigation, and his work has been cited in reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A global leader in marine heatwave research
Smale's work on marine heatwaves, a phenomenon that is becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, has been a game changer in the field of marine ecology. As a co-convener of the International Marine Heatwaves Working Group, Smale has played a key role in developing a quantitative definition and framework for these events. His groundbreaking research, first published in Nature Climate Change and Science, has been widely adopted by scientists and policy-makers alike.
A nominator emphasized the significance of this work: “Dan's research has contributed to the development of a sub-discipline of climate change ecology—extreme event ecology. His work on the global ecological impacts of marine heatwaves has demonstrated that these events are emerging as powerful agents of change in marine ecosystems." Smale's research has had far-reaching effects, contributing to new understanding of how marine organisms and ecosystems respond to rapid warming events and how management strategies must evolve to cope with these changes.
A well-deserved honour
ICES Prix d'Excellence is awarded only once every three years and represents the highest recognition of scientific excellence within ICES community. Smale's dedication to advancing marine science, his leadership in shaping the next generation of researchers, and his contributions to policy and conservation efforts make him a deserving recipient.
A nominator aptly summarized Smale's influence: “His research provides hope for marine ecosystems, with the promise that the future can still be bright." As marine ecosystems face unprecedented threats from climate change, Smale's work is essential in guiding global efforts to protect and preserve these vital systems.
Smale's recognition with the Prix d'Excellence is a testament to the critical role he plays in advancing our understanding of marine ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. Through his research, mentorship, and leadership, Smale continues to shape the future of marine science and conservation on a global scale.
Congratulations from ICES community
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