The Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) has awarded Honoris Causa to Sylvia Earle. The American scientist holds a PhD from Duke University and holds 32 honorary degrees, as well as being the author of more than 225 scientific publications, including 14 books. Her research focuses on the ecology and conservation of marine ecosystems, as well as the development of technology for accessing the deep ocean. The Honoris Causa distinction, the highest in the academic world, not only values Earle‘s career, but also recognises the clear link between her values and those of the university itself.
The oceanographer, known as the “lady of the deep”, is one of the pioneering women in the field of marine research, with more than 100 expeditions to the seabed. Earle is an explorer for the National Geographic Society, founder of Ocean Elder, president of Mission Blue and director of non-profit organisations such as Kerr McGee Corporation, among many others.
Research and environmentalism
Earle‘s career has always been linked to marine ecology. The conservation of marine ecosystems has been one of the main purposes of the oceanographer’s research. For this reason, in 2009, she started the Mission Blue project, an organisation to protect the planet’s oceans, of which she is president and founder. One of the main objectives of Mission Blue is to achieve a global network of marine protected areas. In addition, it echoes the short time we have left to preserve the biodiversity of the seabed, fighting for its preservation.
In this sense, the UPC also distinguishes Sylvia Earle for her fight in favour of sustainability and for her conviction to preserve the health of the oceans and guarantee the health of the planet. A scientific career that is more than commendable and a commitment, linked to the social aspect, as necessary as it is urgent.
A pioneering woman
Sylvia Earle is considered a reference in a society and a field of research where women are still rare. Thus, the UPC, a university committed to the struggle for gender equality, has considered it appropriate to pay tribute to Earle‘s career in order to promote, make visible and highlight the work of women who are often silenced in the scientific world.
In her early days, when she was not yet 30 years old, she joined the first expedition to the bottom of the Seychelles Islands, where she was the only woman selected by the mission. After four years, she led the first team of women to an underwater laboratory, which investigated at a depth of 15 metres for 15 days. As a curiosity, she currently holds the record for a solo dive to a depth of 1,000 metres and was also the first person to walk on the seabed at a depth of more than 380 metres.