IIASA researcher André (Mahdi) Nakhavali will receive the 2027 Kamide Lecture Award in Biogeosciences from the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS), in recognition of the excellence, originality, and potential impact of his research. The award will be formally presented at the AOGS 2027 Annual Meeting, where he will also deliver an invited lecture to the international geoscience community.
Nakhavali is a research scholar in the Integrated Biosphere Futures Research Group of the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program.
The Kamide Lecture Award recognizes outstanding early career scientists who have demonstrated exceptional scientific contributions and significant potential for future impact in geosciences. Named in honor of Professor Yohsuke Kamide, one of the three principal founders of AOGS, the award is presented across the Society's eight scientific sections.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only two award lecturers selected annually from each section. Candidates are assessed by a scientific selection committee based on the quality, originality, and potential impact of their research, with nominations requiring final approval by the AOGS Council.
Nakhavali's selection in the Biogeosciences Section reflects the international relevance of his research on forest ecosystems, land-use modeling, climate change mitigation, and sustainability. His work contributes to IIASA efforts to better understand the interactions between terrestrial ecosystems, climate, and human activities, and to develop scientific insights that can inform responses to global environmental challenges.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected for the 2027 Kamide Lecture Award in Biogeosciences. This recognition represents an important milestone in my scientific career and provides a valuable opportunity to share my research with the international geoscience community. I am particularly pleased that it also highlights the important work being carried out at IIASA to better understand environmental change and support sustainable solutions to global challenges,” says Nakhavali.
The recognition also brings international visibility to IIASA's interdisciplinary research on biodiversity, natural resources, and sustainable land management, as well as its contribution to advancing science-based approaches to environmental sustainability.
IIASA warmly congratulates Nakhavali on this prestigious recognition and wishes him continued success in his research.
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