Dr. Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet, Director of International Relations at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), was awarded the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) Achievement Award 2024 in recognition for her commitment and contribution to the IODE. More specifically, Ann-Katrien received the award as an acknowledgement for her efforts to operate as a liaison between the UNESCO / IOC Project Office for IODE and the IODE network on the one hand, and the Flemish government (Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation & Social Economy, and other departments) on the other hand.
Dr. Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet (middle), Director of International Relations at VLIZ, receives the IODE Achievement Award 2024 in the presence of the co-chairs of the IODE network: Lotta Fyrberg (Sweden; left) and dr. Paula Cristina Sierra (INVEMAR, Colombia; right)
Ann-Katrien has extensive field experience as a marine scientist in South America. She played a pivotal role in the SPINCAM Project across Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru. This initiative, known as the Southeast Pacific Data and Information Network to Support Integrated Coastal Area Management, focuses on assessing coastal and marine environments alongside socio-economic conditions. SPINCAM has been influential across Latin America and the Caribbean, leading to the development of the Caribbean Marine Atlas, undertaken by INVEMAR with support from the Flanders Government.
As Director of International Relations at VLIZ, Ann-Katrien plays a crucial role in enhancing collaborative efforts and promoting data sharing globally. She understands that effective science-policy interfaces must operate bidirectionally, adapting to diverse needs. Her ability to facilitate marine science-policy dialogues as an information broker ensures mutual benefits, directly impacting society.
Her experience in solution-oriented approaches to tackle biodiversity conservation and science-policy vision, has allowed broad understanding to offer support to decision-making. Ann-Katrien has been assisting the IODE Secretariat to maintain the Flemish Government enthusiastic support to ocean data and information as a legacy for the world.
With a strong focus on solution-oriented biodiversity conservation and science-policy integration, Ann-Katrien supports informed decision-making. Her longstanding commitment, spanning over 20 years with the Flanders Marine Institute - VLIZ, has been instrumental in promoting ocean data and information through her work with the IODE Secretariat. She was granted the IODE Achievement Award 2024 for her contributions to elevate IODE's visibility.
About IODE and the Achievement Awards
The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO was established in 1961. Its purpose is to enhance marine research, exploitation and development, by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products.
The IODE programme coordinates a global network of more than 100 National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs), Associate Data Units (ADUs) and Associate Information Units (AIUs). These centres manage and make available millions of ocean observations that contribute to ocean data products and services developed and used by other IOC programmes, supporting a wide range of applications for the ocean community and society in general.
The IODE global network of data and information centres is driven by the dedication of hundreds of national and international experts. Many of these experts contribute their expertise voluntarily, going beyond their regular professional responsibilities to support the programme’s mission.In 2009, the IODE programme introduced the IODE Achievement Awards in order to recognize and honor outstanding contributions. These awards serve as a special token of appreciation for individuals who have dedicated significant time and effort to advancing the programme’s goals.