Rachel Carson Environmental Conservation Excellence Award

The Rachel Carson Environmental Conservation Excellence Award celebrates the enduring impact of Rachel Carson's work in environmental conservation by recognising outstanding applied microbiology achievements in this field. This award is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land), and is designed for professionals, researchers, and innovators who have made significant contributions to the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity. It honours their efforts in addressing critical environmental challenges and safeguarding natural habitats, emphasising the real-world impacts in these essential areas.

The recipient of the award shall receive:

• £3,000 in prize money
• A commemorative plaque highlighting their achievement
• An invitation to submit an article to an AMI-owned journal
• The opportunity to present/chair at an AMI conference, webinar, roundtable, or similar event

Nominations close 26 July 2024. Following this, AMI's internal awards panel will evaluate the nominations and decide on a winner, which will be announced on 16 October.

Applied microbiology contributes significantly to specific targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Here are some ways in which applied microbiology aligns with and supports the targets of SDG 14:

1. Target 14.1 - Preventing and Reducing Marine Pollution: Applied microbiologists study and develop bioremediation techniques to mitigate marine pollution, including oil spills and plastic degradation. Microbial-based methods can break down pollutants in marine environments, reducing their impact on marine life and ecosystems.
2. Target 14.2 - Managing and Protecting Marine Ecosystems Sustainably: Microbiologists research the roles of microorganisms in marine ecosystems, contributing to the understanding of ecological balance, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health. This knowledge is critical for managing and protecting marine ecosystems against the impacts of climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.
3. Target 14.3 - Minimising Ocean Acidification: Research in applied microbiology can help understand the effects of ocean acidification on marine microbial communities. These studies are vital for assessing changes in ocean chemistry and developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of acidification on marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.
4. Target 14.4 - Regulating Fishing and Ending Overfishing: Microbiologists play a role in developing sustainable aquaculture practices, including the use of probiotics and microbial-based treatments to improve fish health and reduce disease outbreaks in aquaculture systems. This helps to reduce the reliance on wild fish stocks and combat overfishing.
5. Target 14.5 - Conserving Coastal and Marine Areas: Applied microbiology contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity through the study of marine microbes, which are integral to the health of coral reefs and other key habitats. By understanding microbial interactions and functions in these environments, conservation efforts can be more targeted and effective.
6. Target 14.7 - Increasing Economic Benefits from Sustainable Marine Resources: Microbial biotechnology research, including the development of novel marine-derived pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other bioproducts, contributes to sustainable economic benefits from marine resources. These innovations can provide new opportunities for sustainable marine resource utilisation.
7. Target 14.a - Increasing Scientific Knowledge and Research Capacity: Applied microbiology research increases scientific knowledge of marine environments and enhances research capacity, particularly in developing countries. This includes training in marine microbiology techniques and fostering international collaboration in marine science.

Applied microbiology also significantly contributes to the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), which focuses on life on land, specifically in managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss. Here's how applied microbiology aligns with and supports these targets:

1. Target 15.1 - Conserving Terrestrial Ecosystems: Applied microbiology plays a role in understanding soil microbiomes, which are crucial for ecosystem health. Microbial studies contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems by enhancing soil fertility and aiding in plant growth.
2. Target 15.2 - Sustainable Management of Forests: Microbiologists study forest microbiomes to understand their role in forest health and resilience. This knowledge is vital for sustainable forest management, aiding in the prevention of forest degradation and contributing to the sequestration of greenhouse gases.
3. Target 15.3 - Combating Desertification: Applied microbiological techniques are used to combat desertification. This includes the development of microbial solutions to enhance soil quality and retain moisture, which are essential in restoring degraded land and preventing desertification.
4. Target 15.4 - Conserving Mountain Ecosystems: Microbial research in mountain ecosystems helps in understanding unique microbial communities and their roles in these ecosystems. This research is vital for conserving mountain flora and fauna and ensuring sustainable ecosystem services.
5. Target 15.5 - Halting Biodiversity Loss: Applied microbiologists study the interactions between microbes and other forms of life, which is crucial for maintaining biodiversity. Understanding these interactions can help in conserving endangered species and habitats, contributing to halting biodiversity loss.
6. Target 15.8 - Preventing Invasive Species: Research in applied microbiology can aid in controlling invasive species through the understanding of microbial interactions and the development of biological control methods. This is essential for protecting native species and habitats.
7. Target 15.9 - Integrating Ecosystem Values into Planning: Microbiology contributes to recognising the value of ecosystems in planning and development. This includes understanding the role of microbes in ecosystem services like nutrient cycling, decomposition, and supporting plant growth.
8. Target 15.a and 15.b - Supporting Conservation and Sustainable Use of Resources: Applied microbiology research supports the sustainable use of terrestrial resources and conservation efforts. This includes developing sustainable agricultural practices and land management techniques that rely on beneficial microbial interactions.

The contributions of applied microbiology to both SDG 14 and SDG 15, from preserving marine ecosystems to protecting terrestrial biodiversity, are essential. The Rachel Carson Environmental Conservation Excellence Award highlights the significance of this field, celebrating the real-world impacts on marine and land ecosystems, and emphasising the pivotal role of microbiology in environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.