Professor Inna Sokolova is a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Biological Sciences at University of Rostock, Germany. As an expert in environmental physiology and toxicology of marine organisms, she has an important role in the nomination committee for Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris (i.e. Baltic Sea prize). The nomination period for 2023 is open for nominations until 15 May.
Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris is an annual prize awarded to a researcher or other person who has made valuable contributions to the Baltic Sea’s environment. After the nomination period for 2023 closes, it is the nomination committee that has the important task to select the finalists to present to the board. One of the nomination committee members is Professor Inna Sokolova from the University of Rostock.
– It is an honor and a pleasure to be a member of the nomination committee for the prestigious Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris. The Baltic Sea has a special place in my heart and I am happy to be part of the initiative that seeks to protect and improve the Baltic Sea environments for the humans and the wildlife, says Professor Inna Sokolova.
As an ecotoxicologist, Sokolova is happy to see the steady decline in the levels of legacy pollutants in the Baltic Sea and the decline of the inputs of nutrients that contributed to eutrophication and deoxygenation of the Baltic waters. However, she is concerned that the positive changes are too slow, which was attested by the recent HELCOM assessment showing that 96 % of the surface area in the Baltic Sea is below good status in regards to eutrophication.
– My ardent wish is to see the Baltic Sea thriving with diverse and healthy life on both sides of the coastline. I wish to see the low-oxygen zones shrinking, the fish stocks increasing, the wetlands flourishing, and the people responsibly and sustainably enjoying the beauty and resources of this natural gem, says Sokolova.
The nomination period for Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris 2023 is open from 15 February to 15 May. Organizations, institutions, and individuals can send in nominations on the foundation’s website. Among the nominees, one winner will be appointed and receives SEK 3 million to continue their research for a healthier Baltic Sea.
This is the nomination committee of the Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris:
Professor Christina Rudén (Chairman), Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University
Professor Anna-Stiina Heiskanen, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Director of Freshwater Centre
Professor Inna Sokolova, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock
Professor Jan Marcin Węsławski, Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences
Marie Berglund, member the Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse (BalticSea2020)
