KAUST's Professor Carlos Duarte Receives Prestigious Japan Prize for Marine Science Innovations
In a remarkable achievement for both King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and its faculty, Professor Carlos M. Duarte, the Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor of Marine Science, has been honored with the prestigious Japan Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to marine ecology. This recognition positions KAUST as the sole university in the MENA region to receive such a distinguished global award.
The Japan Prize, often referred to as the ‘Nobel Prize of Japan,’ is one of the most esteemed honors in science and technology, celebrating exceptional contributions that promote peace and prosperity worldwide. Professor Duarte’s work has transformed global understanding of ocean-based climate solutions, especially emphasizing the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems, which include seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes, as nature-based solutions to climate challenges.
Despite covering only 0.2% of the ocean floor, blue carbon ecosystems are responsible for sequestering approximately 50% of the carbon buried in ocean sediments each year. Professor Duarte has been at the forefront of research that not only elucidates the importance of these ecosystems but also aids in the development of international strategies aimed at harnessing their potential for combating climate change and restoring biodiversity.
During the award ceremony, to be held on April 16, under the auspices of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo, Professor Duarte expressed his elation: “Receiving the Japan Prize is a profoundly moving moment. This award shines a light on the extraordinary potential of our oceans to restore the health of our planet. I hope this recognition ignites a new wave of ambition, especially among younger generations of scientists and leaders, to embrace nature-based solutions and work collectively to address the climate crisis.”
KAUST President, Professor Sir Edward Byrne, commended Professor Duarte’s achievement, noting, “This recognition is a testimony to KAUST’s commitment to frontier research and reinforces Saudi Arabia's growing influence in sustainability and environmental sciences globally.” He added that Professor Duarte’s work exemplifies KAUST's commitment to advancing the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative by fostering innovations in marine conservation, climate action, and scientific leadership both regionally and internationally.
Beyond his research, Professor Duarte has played a crucial role in advising Saudi Arabia on its national strategies for marine protection and sustainability efforts. As the Executive Director of the Coral Research Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), supported by the G20, he has significantly influenced global marine policy and continues to shape climate negotiations and marine conservation initiatives worldwide.
Professor Duarte is the second recipient from KAUST to be honored with the Japan Prize; the first was Jean M. J. Fréchet, the former Vice President for Research, awarded in 2013 for his remarkable achievements in developing chemically reinforced resins for advanced semiconductor fabrication.
Founded in 2009, KAUST is a graduate research university dedicated to addressing pressing scientific and technological challenges in areas such as food and health, water, energy, environment, and digitalization. KAUST fosters an interdisciplinary approach driven by curiosity and brings together top minds from across the globe. The university’s campus hosts over 120 nationalities engaging in research that drives innovation, economic development, and social prosperity, generating new patents and products and collaborating with other academic institutions, industries, and Saudi authorities.
The Coral Research Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) is a G20 initiative aimed at accelerating research and development efforts to protect coral reefs globally. CORDAP serves as a hub for fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and the private sector to develop and implement innovative solutions for coral reef protection and restoration, as well as climate adaptation. KAUST plays a pivotal role as a key funder and strategic partner of CORDAP, demonstrating its dedication to coral reef preservation. The financial backing from KAUST facilitates significant research advancements and the development of innovative solutions to protect these vital ecosystems.
The Japan Prize, often referred to as the ‘Nobel Prize of Japan,’ is one of the most esteemed honors in science and technology, celebrating exceptional contributions that promote peace and prosperity worldwide. Professor Duarte’s work has transformed global understanding of ocean-based climate solutions, especially emphasizing the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems, which include seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes, as nature-based solutions to climate challenges.
Despite covering only 0.2% of the ocean floor, blue carbon ecosystems are responsible for sequestering approximately 50% of the carbon buried in ocean sediments each year. Professor Duarte has been at the forefront of research that not only elucidates the importance of these ecosystems but also aids in the development of international strategies aimed at harnessing their potential for combating climate change and restoring biodiversity.
During the award ceremony, to be held on April 16, under the auspices of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo, Professor Duarte expressed his elation: “Receiving the Japan Prize is a profoundly moving moment. This award shines a light on the extraordinary potential of our oceans to restore the health of our planet. I hope this recognition ignites a new wave of ambition, especially among younger generations of scientists and leaders, to embrace nature-based solutions and work collectively to address the climate crisis.”
KAUST President, Professor Sir Edward Byrne, commended Professor Duarte’s achievement, noting, “This recognition is a testimony to KAUST’s commitment to frontier research and reinforces Saudi Arabia's growing influence in sustainability and environmental sciences globally.” He added that Professor Duarte’s work exemplifies KAUST's commitment to advancing the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative by fostering innovations in marine conservation, climate action, and scientific leadership both regionally and internationally.
Beyond his research, Professor Duarte has played a crucial role in advising Saudi Arabia on its national strategies for marine protection and sustainability efforts. As the Executive Director of the Coral Research Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), supported by the G20, he has significantly influenced global marine policy and continues to shape climate negotiations and marine conservation initiatives worldwide.
Professor Duarte is the second recipient from KAUST to be honored with the Japan Prize; the first was Jean M. J. Fréchet, the former Vice President for Research, awarded in 2013 for his remarkable achievements in developing chemically reinforced resins for advanced semiconductor fabrication.
About KAUST
Founded in 2009, KAUST is a graduate research university dedicated to addressing pressing scientific and technological challenges in areas such as food and health, water, energy, environment, and digitalization. KAUST fosters an interdisciplinary approach driven by curiosity and brings together top minds from across the globe. The university’s campus hosts over 120 nationalities engaging in research that drives innovation, economic development, and social prosperity, generating new patents and products and collaborating with other academic institutions, industries, and Saudi authorities.
About CORDAP
The Coral Research Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) is a G20 initiative aimed at accelerating research and development efforts to protect coral reefs globally. CORDAP serves as a hub for fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and the private sector to develop and implement innovative solutions for coral reef protection and restoration, as well as climate adaptation. KAUST plays a pivotal role as a key funder and strategic partner of CORDAP, demonstrating its dedication to coral reef preservation. The financial backing from KAUST facilitates significant research advancements and the development of innovative solutions to protect these vital ecosystems.
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