USM marine scientist awarded prestigious Anton Bruun Medal
Most recently, Tan was chosen to receive the prestigious Anton Bruun Medal — one of the highest international recognitions in ocean science — during the 33rd session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Assembly under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
In conjunction with the award, Tan delivered the distinguished Anton Bruun Memorial Lecture titled "Co-Producing Ocean Solutions: Empowering Coastal Communities Through Science and Policy Integration."
Her address underscored the urgent need for science to serve humanity, not merely the scientific community, but also advocate for a whole-of-society approach to ocean governance.
"Science connects people. People connect to nature," she reminded the global audience, calling for collaboration across disciplines and sectors to ensure inclusive, actionable ocean solutions, with the people at the heart of it.
A trailblazer in community-based marine conservation and sustainable aquaculture, Aileen shared success stories from her work with coastal communities in Malaysia, where science has been humanised and created impacts and bringing values —translated into better livelihoods, gender empowerment, and ecosystem stewardship.
From oyster farming initiatives to youth eco-entrepreneurship, she believed strongly in serving the people first, simplifying information, impactful communications and most of all, creating trust and staying true to the mission and vision, which captured global attention as a practical and culturally rooted approach to ocean action.
Established in 1970, the Anton Bruun Medal is dedicated to the memory of the noted Danish oceanographer and first chairman of the Commission, Dr Anton Frederick Bruun.
The medal is awarded to those who make important developments in the fields of solid earth studies, physical and chemical oceanography and meteorology, and marine biology during the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Assembly, every two years.
The Anton Bruun Medal recognises individuals for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science.
This award recognises not only Tan's decades-long dedication to marine science and coastal community development, but also of Malaysia's growing leadership in the global ocean agenda under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
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