Top Antarctic scientist wins inaugral accolade

Top Antarctic scientist wins inaugural For Women in Science accolade

Antarctica New Zealand congratulates University of Otago researcher and Antarctic expeditioner Christina Riesselman, upon receiving the inaugural $25,000 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science New Zealand Fellowship.

“Christina has been making an important contribution not only to New Zealand’s efforts but also to international efforts to understand the evolutions of Antarctica’s climate, ice sheets and oceans,” says Chief Executive Peter Beggs.

The findings of Christina’s research are particularly important as we try to understand the potential of Antarctica’s ice sheets and oceans to change from future warming.

“The international contribution Christina has made through participation in the International Ocean Discovery Programme, the multinational ANDRILL project and participation in the recent New Zealand collaboration with the Korea Polar Research Institute is a fantastic demonstration of how she is working to build important international partnerships,” says Mr Beggs.

“Christina has an ability to present her work in a very real way, deconstructing the complexity of her research to make it relevant to every-day New Zealanders. As a talented researcher and science communicator, her ability to demystify Antarctic research is a real asset to the New Zealand Antarctic Programme and the wider science community.”

Antarctica New Zealand are inspired by Christina’s research and delighted she has received the inaugural L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science New Zealand Fellowship.

While Christina received her Fellowship on Tuesday night at the formal awards ceremony in Sydney, the New Zealand-based celebration will be held in Auckland this evening.

ENDS

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