Ellen K. Pikitch, a professor at the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, has been awarded the 2024 Lowell Thomas Award for her contributions to science and communication. This accolade is presented annually by The Explorers Club to recognize excellence in various fields of exploration. Pikitch was nominated by explorer Sylvia Earle.
Previous recipients of the award include notable figures such as Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Kathy Sullivan, Sir Edmund Hillary, Kris Thompkins, and E.O. Wilson. "Professor Pikitch has worked tirelessly for decades on ocean conservation issues," stated Paul Shepson, Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies. "How gratifying that her passion and dedication in service to the world’s oceans has been recognized with this prestigious award."
Pikitch serves as an endowed professor of ocean conservation science and is the executive director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science. Her research emphasizes marine protected areas, fish conservation, fisheries sustainability, ecosystem-based fishery management, and endangered fishes.
Her career includes significant national and international research activities. For seven years at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), she developed a program that conducted field research in 18 countries across four ocean basins and led successful ocean policy campaigns. Recently, she spearheaded a project called The DataXplorer™, an eco-friendly craft used for underwater species data collection.
Internationally, Pikitch contributed to public policy as an ocean science lead for the United Nations 10×20 Initiative and served as Special Envoy to Palau. She is also a Fellow of The Explorers Club and has received numerous awards including the Hope Spot Champion award, Oscar E. Sette award, Ocean Hero award, among others.
The Explorers Club was founded in 1904 as a professional society focused on advancing field research, scientific exploration, and resource conservation.