
Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel (16 February 1834 – 9 August 1919) was a German biologist, naturalist, philosopher, physician, professor, marine biologist, and artist who discovered, described and named thousands of new species, mapped a genealogical tree relating all life forms, and coined many terms including ecology. It comes with no surprise that the European Ecological Federation (EEF) would name its most prestigious award after such a prominent figure who can be said to one of the fathers of Ecology.
The EEF just announced that the Ernst Haeckel prize for 2018 was awarded to Miguel B. Araújo. The prize is designed to honour a senior ecologist for outstanding contributions to European ecological science and the awarding ceremony will take place at the 15th EEF Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2019.
“I was unaware that I had been nominated for this award, so the news came as surprise”, says Araújo. “I am deeply honoured by this recognition from the European Ecological Federation. I am passionate about my work, and this what keeps me going: the drive for seeking understanding of the determinants of species geographic distributions across space and time is old and strong. But when your peers recognise the value of your contributions through a distinction like the Ernst Haeckel Prize, it adds bliss to an already happy situation.”