2007 Award Recipients
AAAS Award for International Scientific Cooperation
ROBERT WATSON
Robert Watson
Robert Watson is honored for his extraordinary contributions to promoting international scientific cooperation in scientific research, communication, and training, and for his work to increase understanding of climate change and sustainable development. Established in 1992, the AAAS Award for International Scientific Cooperation recognizes an individual or a limited number of individuals for making extraordinary contributions to further international cooperation in science and engineering. The recipient receives $5,000 and a commemorative plaque.
Established in 1992, the AAAS Award for International Scientific Cooperation recognizes an individual or a limited number of individuals for making extraordinary contributions to further international cooperation in science and engineering. The recipients each receive a commemorative plaque and a share of the $5,000 award.
Robert T. Watson is Chief Scientific Adviser to the U.K. Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs; Chair of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, England; and Director for Strategic Development for the Tyndall Center.
Prior to these positions, Dr. Watson served at The World Bank as Director of Environmental Development; Chief Scientist and Senior Adviser for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development; and most recently, Chief Scientist and Senior Adviser for Sustainable Development.
Before joining The World Bank, Dr. Watson was Associate Director for Environment in the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States and prior to that, Director of the Science Division and Chief Scientist for the Office of Mission to Planet Earth at NASA. He has served as Chair of the Global Environment Facility’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel; Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); and Board Co-Chair for the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
Dr. Watson has received a number of national and international awards and prizes for his contributions to science, including the AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility in 1993, and the insignia of Honorary Companion of St. Michael and St. George from the British Government. Most recently, the work of the IPCC was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
He is currently Director of the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development and co-chair of the International Scientific Assessment of Stratospheric Ozone. He has been chair or co-chair of several other international scientific assessments including the IPCC Working Group II, the United Nations Environment Program/World Meteorological Organization (UNEP/WMO), and the UNEP Global Biodiversity Assessment.
Dr. Watson received his Ph.D. degree in chemistry from London University in 1973.
Please click here for a list of past recipients.