
Enabled by the Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse, 22 top researchers from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, and Poland now join forces as Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows. The purpose of the network is to work together for a healthier sea, and make politicians and decision-makers realize the urgency to act. On September 26, the network arranges a seminar at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm in connection with the award ceremony for Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris 2023, where H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria hands out the award to this year’s prize winner.
The Baltic Sea suffers from environmental contaminants, eutrophication, and overfishing, which negatively affect everyone in the nine neighboring countries. In order to join forces for a positive development, the Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows has been initiated on commission by the Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse. The founding fellows, Agnes Karlsson, Petter Tibblin and Jenny Ask states the importance of the fellowship:
– We formed the Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows to connect future research leaders around the Baltic Sea to stimulate innovation and collaboration. Our hope is that the network benefits Baltic Sea research and, ultimately, contributes to a healthier and well-managed Baltic Sea.
The network consists of 22 exclusively selected young researchers from the countries around the Baltic Sea, who are all focused on the Baltic Sea and its environment. One of the fellows, Dr. Isabell Klawonn, junior group leader from Germany, was selected to Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows for her innovative work with microplankton, their activity, and biogeochemical cycles in the water column.
– It’s important to join forces as we are all surrounded by the very same Baltic Sea, and water knows no borders. If one state acts, all others will be affected, the same if one state does not act, says Isabell Klawonn, Dept. of Biological Oceanography, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research.
From 2005 to 2020, Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse (Baltic Sea 2020) allocated grants totaling SEK 650 million for research and applied projects for the Baltic Sea. The foundation is now making a long-term investment in the development of Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows and the future decision-makers in Baltic Sea research. Commenting on the launch of the fellowship, the Chairman of the Board, Bo Lehander states:
– With the foundation’s support, we hope that the Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows can provide a platform for emerging researchers to thrive, and to drive positive change for the Baltic Sea environment.
On September 26, Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows will hold a seminar at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm. At the seminar, important topics connected to the Baltic Sea environment will be discussed together with politicians, decision makers, youth leaders and organizations. The seminar is held in connection with the award ceremony for Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris 2023, where H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria hands out the award to this year’s prize winner.
Read more about Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows and all members at bcop.se.
About the Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse and the Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris
Björn Carlsons Östersjöpris (i.e. Baltic Sea Prize) was established in 2021 by Björn Carlsons Östersjöstiftelse (BalticSea2020) – an annual prize awarded to a researcher or other person who has made valuable contributions to the Baltic Sea’s environment. With a prize sum of SEK 3 million, the foundation’s hope is that the award will create commitment to the Baltic Sea and inspire further work for a healthier sea. From 2005 to 2020, the foundation allocated grants totalling 650 million for research and applied projects for the Baltic Sea.
Press contact: Amanda Bjursten, +4670-837 14 30, amanda@hakanson.united.se