British Ambassador to Belgium, Alison Rose presented the prestigios award at a ceremony which was held as part of 13th European Space Weather Week in Ostend, Belgium.
The medal which rewards efforts to structure the space weather community at an international level is testament to Professor Hapgood’s 35 years’ experience in solar-terrestrial physics. Mike acts as an advisor to the UK Government on risks posed by Space Weather, and also chairs the UK Space Environment Impact Experts group as well as being a visiting Professor at the University of Lancaster.
Speaking after the ceremony Professor Hapgood said’ I am honoured to receive an award named after Marcel Nicolet, particularly given his leading role in the “International Geophysical Year”, back in 1957/58. The IGY had a big impact on me, both as a young person learning about science, and later when starting my scientific career. It showed the value of international cooperation in science, not just at an intellectual level, but also at a human level. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to build on Nicolet’s work, especially to help our community address the growing and worldwide risks posed by space weather. We need to continue to work together internationally to deal with this and many other global risks.
From an international perspective Mike has led several space weather studies funded by the European Space Agency, was chair of ESA’s Space Weather Working Team from 2006 to 2009, and has also worked closely with colleagues at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to promote wider international links through workshops on both side of the Atlantic.
Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere and thermosphere due to the Sun and the solar wind that can influence the functioning and reliability of spaceborne and ground-based systems and services or endanger property or human health.
STFC RAL Space Director, Dr Chris Mutlow said ‘We are thrilled that Mike has been recognised for his contribution to the international space weather community by being awarded the Baron Marcel Nicolet Medal. This is a great achievement that acknowledges the impact that Mike’s work has had in addressing the recognition of space weather, its impact and potential risk not just on a national level, but internationally too’.
The annual European Space Weather Week (ESWW) is the European Forum for Space weather, bringing together the diverse groups in Europe working on different aspect of Space Weather. Find out more about the medal awarded.
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