NRF-SAEON/SAPRI's Early Career Researcher wins best presentation in South Korea

Riesna R. Audh, from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) that is hosted by the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node, was awarded the IAPSO Eugene La Fond Medal, which is an award given to an ocean scientist from a developing country for outstanding research presented at an IAPSO-sponsored event. Riesna presented work conducted during her PhD, which focused on the previously under-sampled winter sea ice in the Atlantic sector of the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone (AMIZ). Her study produced the first-ever biogeochemical dataset for growing young and first-year sea ice in the region.

Her presentation explored how measurements of sea-ice structure, isotopes, macronutrients, and chlorophyll were used to investigate the formation processes of the sea ice sampled during the South African-led Southern oCean seAsonaL Experiment winter cruise in 2019. The findings challenged the long-held assumption that winter sea ice is biogeochemically dormant, revealing instead an active biogeochemical environment. Numerical modelling further supported the results, highlighting the role of dynamic growth processes in shaping the ice and enhancing its biogeochemical properties.

By sharing these novel insights, Riesna’s presentation showcased the valuable contributions of South African researchers to the global science community. It also demonstrated how South Africa’s strategic presence and research capacity in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic regions are helping to close major knowledge gaps and advance understanding of the polar regions. Her presentation earning the Eugene La Fond Medal affirmed the value of her research and underscored the importance of contributions of early career scientists from developing countries.