Cape Town-based ichthyologist, professor Mike Bruton, has been awarded the Marloth Medal for his life’s work by The Royal Society of South Africa.
Ichthyology is the study of fish and is a specialisation in the field of marine biology.
Bruton, an acclaimed researcher and the retired director of the Cape Town Science Centre, is known for his pioneering work on coelacanth species.
‘The breadth of Bruton’s academic and public career in the communication of science is remarkable and rare. He is a fully deserving candidate for the award, in recognition of his lifelong contribution to academic science and the public understanding of science,’ the president of the Royal Society Professor Stephanie Burton said according to IOL.
Professor Mike Bruton is an acclaimed researcher and scientist.
The Marloth Medal, that was established in 2016, is awarded to ‘an individual deemed to have had a highly distinguished career and to have made a significant contribution to advancing his or her discipline through writings, service to science, nurturing younger professionals and fostering the public understanding of science,’ the Royal Society website reads.
‘Often people are recognised only after they have died. It is nice for my work to be recognised while I am still around. I am not by any stretch of the imagination SA’s best scientist,’ Bruton told IOL.
The Royal Society of South Africa is a multi-disciplinary scientific organisation and its aims include facilitating the exchange and development of scientific ideas and knowledge; and recognising and rewarding excellence in research and scholarship among other things.
Picture: Twitter/ScienceLinkSA
