The European Geosciences Union (EGU) this week announced that CEE’s Dr. Hermann Fritz has been chosen to receive the 2014 Plinius Medal, in recognition for his research on natural hazard mitigation.
Fritz is one of 48 researchers from around the world recognized by the EGU, and the only one to receive the Plinius Medal. The EGU annually provides a forum where scientists can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geosciences. All of the recently announced honorees will be officially recognized at the EGU's General Assembly, to be held in Vienna, Austria, April 27-May 2, 2014.
"The EGU 2014 Plinius Medal is awarded to Dr. Hermann Fritz for his outstanding laboratory and field research achievements in the generation and propagation of tsunamis," said Dr. Philippe Courtial EGU's Executive Secretary.
CEE's Karen and John Huff School Chair Dr. Reginald DesRoches applauded the decision.
"Dr. Fritz’s work on tsunamis and coastal hazards is among the most innovative in the world," he said. "I cannot think of a more deserving person for this award."
The Plinius Medal was established by the EGU Natural Hazards (NH) Division to recognize interdisciplinary natural hazard research. Named after Roman scientist and military strategist Gaius Plinius Secundus, the medal celebrates interdisciplinary research in natural hazards by mid-career scientists. Specifically, it recognizes outstanding research achievements focusing on natural hazards, interdisciplinary activity in two or more fields related to natural hazards, and research that has been applied to the mitigation of risks from natural hazards.