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Dr José Xavier has been awarded the Martha T. Muse Prize for 2011.  Dr Xavier has conducted field research with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) over many seasons on South Atlantic islands.  The prize, established in the International Polar Year 2007-2008, is for US$100 000 and is presented to an individual in the fields of Antarctic science or policy who has demonstrated potential for sustained and significant contributions that will enhance the understanding and/or preservation of Antarctica.

Dr Xavier is a marine ecologist at BAS and at the Institute of Marine Research of the University of Coimbra, Portugal.  Amongst much other work he has conducted outstanding research on the predator-prey dynamics that sustain populations of albatrosses, penguins, and other top predators in the Southern Ocean, and he recently published a comprehensive monograph on cephalopod beaks.

"It is amazing and a true honour to receive such a prestigious prize", said Dr Xavier.  "Such a prize will strengthen and open new doors to international collaborations, agreeing with the true spirit of how Antarctic science is carried out today.

The Selection Committee of leading Antarctic scientists and policy makers also cited his leadership in the establishment of a new and thriving Antarctic research programme in Portugal during the International Polar Year (IPY, 2007-2008) and in launching a highly successful educational programme, LATITUDE 60! during the IPY.

The award ceremony will be held at the World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, Aberdeen, Scotland next month.

Read more about the 2011 awards and of the two previous awards at http://www.museprize.org/news.html.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 August 2011