Professor Nadia Pinardi receives the 2025 Prince Albert I Medal at IUGG General Assembly in Busan

Professor Nadia Pinardi, Director of the UN Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience and Full Professor at the University of Bologna, was formally awarded the 2025 Prince Albert I Medal during the IUGG General Assembly, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 20 to 25 July 2025.

The Prince Albert I Medal — established in 2001 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in collaboration with the International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO) — is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of ocean science. Awarded biennially, the Medal honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the physical sciences of the oceans.

Professor Pinardi received the award for her groundbreaking work in operational oceanography and the development of ocean forecasting systems in the Mediterranean Sea — a field in which she has played a pioneering role. Her research has significantly advanced our ability to understand, monitor, and predict ocean dynamics, and continues to inform coastal resilience strategies and marine environmental protection efforts.

The Prince Albert I Medal is presented within the broader context of the Grand Medal Ceremony Albert Ier, a tradition dating back to 1948. Inspired by Prince Albert I’s legacy of promoting knowledge, love, and protection of the ocean, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco continues to honor eminent personalities in ocean science and advocacy. Over the decades, the Medal has recognized researchers whose work has shaped the global marine science community and promoted sustainable ocean stewardship.

Professor Pinardi’s award adds to a long list of accolades received throughout her career, including the Fridtjof Nansen Medal from the European Geosciences Union (2007) and the Roger Revelle Medal from UNESCO (2008). Her recognition in Busan represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant acknowledgment of the growing importance of operational oceanography in addressing today’s coastal and climate challenges.