The Norwegian Space Centre has presented an award to Prof. Ola M. Johannessen for his scientific contribution to increase international awareness and understanding of space activities – in particular for Earth observation.

Managing Director Bo Andersen of the Norwegian Space Centre said in his introduction to the award;“He - for it is a man - has come up with scientific results that have attracted attention in the climate context, particularly with regard to what happens in the Arctic. He is oceanographer with a passion for frozen water in glaciers, he has studied the spread of radioactivity in the oceans and been curious about the socio-economic effects of global change.” Further he emphasized his large scientific productivity and the internationalization of Earth observation research, including the establishment of Nansen Centers in Norway, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The first Nordic astronaut Christer Fuglesang and Bo Andersen handed over the award to Prof.Johannessen. The award diploma contains a picture of the replica of the Nobel Peace Prize medal that has been in the personal luggage of the astronaut, during his voyage to the international spacestation in 2009. Fulgesang reminded us “that space is a venue for peace and cooperation” and that this award will very well suit the international research environment at the Nansen Center.

In his thanks for the award Prof. Johannessen gave a presentation on the resent scientific achievements in climate change in the Arctic.He also emphasized "the importance of bridging young scientists from various parts of the world which the Nansen Centers does through the Nansen Fellowship program and summers schools". These activities are funded by the Nansen Scientific Society, which through education and research within global environment and climate problems, including their impacts on society, supports young scientists from different nations and cultures to provide a foundation for greater understanding and co-existence in the word - in the spirit of Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.