The CEAB-CSIC ad honorem researcher will receive one Bluewave Award this June 13, at an event in Barcelona. These awards recognize three leading global professionals who, with their work, have contributed to scientific and/or technological advancement, as well as raising awareness of the urgency of preserving seas and oceans.
These distinctions are promoted by the Bluewave Alliance, a non-profit initiative that aims to join forces – between the scientific community, institutions and the private sector – to achieve the protection and recovery of marine ecosystems; with special attention to the closest ones, those of the Mediterranean Sea.
María Jesús “Iosune” Uriz has been chosen for her outstanding career and contributions. She was one of the first female marine biologist in Spain; also a pioneer in the use of the autonomous diving suit. He worked with Jacques Costeau, explored the seabed of Antarctica and delved into the research of organisms, marine sponges, until then very unknown.
Throughout his career he has identified more than 300 new species of marine sponges and has revealed many of the secrets they hid. Among the most important contributions, due to its application for the benefit of the entire society, is finding molecules in these marine animals that have proven useful in pharmacology, to manufacture medicines aimed at treating diseases as cancer.
The researcher emphasizes the importance of preserving and recovering seas and oceans, not so much out of fear that they will die but to protect ourselves, because all humans depend very directly on them. She calls to the awareness of everyone, big and small, to move towards more balanced models of society, which take care of the environment to which we are so linked.
The Bluewave Awards ceremony takes place this June 13, as a closing of the activities organized by the Bluewave Alliance around June 8, World Oceans Day.
These awards have previously distinguished researchers from the CEAB-CSIC team, such as Enric “Kike” Ballesteros, for their contributions in the field of conservation of marine ecosystems and for their dissemination and awareness work.
Additional info:
Interview with Iosune Uriz in the newspaper La Vanguardia for the award granted by the Bluewave Alliance
