Photo credit: Stewart Attwood Photography
Our project partner, Prof. Marcel Jaspars from the University of Aberdeen, has been awarded the 2025 RSE Adam Smith Medal by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). The RSE’s medals recognise individuals whose work has an influence on life around the world and highlight the strength of the research sector in Scotland.
This award recognises Professor Jaspars’ world-leading expertise in marine biodiscovery and his influential role in shaping international science policy.
His research explores the biodiversity of the deep ocean, uncovering new biochemical pathways that may have applications in drug discovery. In addition to his scientific work, Professor Jaspars has played a key role in global policy discussions, contributing to negotiations on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty) and on digital sequence information (DSI), ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits arising from marine genetic resources.
Upon receiving the Medal, Prof. Marcel Jaspars said: “I am delighted to have been awarded the RSE’s Adam Smith Medal in recognition of my work translating the science of marine biodiscovery into policy. I am hopeful that a scientifically literate policy to protect the biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction will protect the Ocean and benefit marine scientific research. The deep ocean is a remarkable place, full of unexplored biology and chemistry which deserves our protection in its own right, as well as for its potential to enable the discovery of new medicines and other products.”