The second annual will be presented this evening to Dr Lola Fatoyinbo.
The Prize, created by a generous bequest from renowned conservationist Esmond Bradley Martin, recognises outstanding achievement by an individual in the pursuit and/or application of geographical research, with a particular emphasis on wildlife conservation and environmental research studies.
Dr Lola Fatoyinbo, a Research Scientist in the Biospheric Sciences Lab at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, develops and uses advanced remote sensing technologies and data to understand forested and coastal ecosystems.
As well as having more than 60 scientific publications to her name, Lola is committed to conservation outcomes, partnering with organisations that protect ecosystems, and ensuring her research informs policy decisions. Her work on airborne LiDAR and satellite imagery campaigns after Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean, the impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, and studies of mangrove forests across the Americas, Africa and Asia, have increased global understanding of some of Earth’s most critical systems and supported the voices of those who depend on them.
Lola is also dedicated to training the next generation of scientists looking to understand and safeguard our planet, mentoring dozens of junior researchers in her lab.
On being awarded the Prize, Lola said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award. Being the recipient right after Dr Paula Kahumbu, whose work and mission I admire, and in the name of Esmond Bradley Martin, is inspiring and humbling. This recognition also profoundly motivates me to continue producing the environmental data and knowledge that I believe will help protect life on our planet.”
The Society’s President and Chair of the awarding panel, Nigel Clifford, said: “Lola’s work exemplifies how geographical research has a real world impact. Her commitment to ensuring that scientific study influences policy shows true leadership in conservation and environmental research and makes her the perfect recipient for the Esmond B. Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize.”
After being presented with the Prize, Lola will give this evening’s Monday night lecture, where she will address how careful research can be the foundation of progress towards a better world.
Society members can attend the lecture or .
