SA scientist shines at global awards ceremony

First for South Africa

South African marine scientist Prof Lynne Shannon became the first South African to receive the Prince Albert I Grand Medal for Ocean Science at a ceremony in Paris this week.

Prof Shannon, who is the Deputy Director of UCT-MARiS and Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town was recognised for her lifetime contributions, discoveries and leadership in the marine ecosystem science. The Science category honours individuals whose work has profoundly advanced the field of oceanography with a global impact.

Prof Shannon’s recognition places South African marine science firmly on the world stage, reflecting decades of excellence in research, policy development, and international collaboration. Accepting the award, Prof Shannon joins a distinguished list of oceanographers including Shubha Sathyendranath, Prof Daniel Pauly and Prof Lisa Ann Levin who have been recognised for groundbreaking contributions to marine research.

With more than 30 years of ecological research, over 180 peer-reviewed publications, and long-term leadership in ecosystem-based management, Prof Shannon has played a central role in shaping scientific understanding of marine food webs in South Africa and Namibia.

Her work has informed fisheries policy, advanced trophic modelling, and contributed to global assessments through the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

In her award-day interview, Prof Shannon reflected on the significance of South Africa’s scientific partnerships, especially the long-standing French–South African collaborations that played an instrumental role in her journey: “Just embarking on my PhD, I was enormously privileged to be drawn into a unique French–South African scientific bilateral. It set me on a path of lifelong collaboration, mentorship and discovery, and Paris holds many special memories for me—including my first experience of falling snow during our IndiSeas project meetings at UNESCO.”

This collaboration shaped some of the most influential ecosystem-indicator projects in the world, including the Indicators for the Seas (IndiSeas) initiative, which continues to guide ecosystem-based management in marine systems.

“Transformative change requires immediate, visionary action where humans are recognised as part of nature and where diverse knowledge systems are brought together in complementary and constructive ways,” she said. With a current focus on how disciplines such as law, governance and the arts can intersect with marine science, she is reimagining how societies engage with the ocean.

The Prince Albert I Grand Medal was established by the Oceanographic Institute to honour its founder, Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of modern oceanography. It is one of the world’s most prestigious prizes in marine science and  recognises lifetime excellence, transformative discoveries, and scientific leadership that strengthen humanity’s understanding of the ocean.

Laureates are selected through an international process involving the Institute’s Scientific Council and its Board of Directors, and past recipients include leading global oceanographers whose work has shaped marine conservation and policy worldwide.

Recognising South African expertise

Prof Shannon’s recognition extends far beyond her individual achievements. It marks a watershed moment for South African marine science, demonstrating the country’s leadership in ocean sustainability, modelling, biodiversity research and science-policy innovation.

PHOTO: Professor Lynne Shannon accepts her award.

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