The RethinkBlue COST Action recognised four members with Outstanding Contribution Awards at its Mid-Term Conference in Tallinn, highlighting its mission to rethink the Blue Economy by addressing its socio-ecological impacts and opportunities.
The awards were presented to:
- Carla Gonçalves (Portugal)
- Ioannis Katsounis (Greece)
- Sanja Kovačić (Serbia)
- Priscila Silva (Portugal)
These awards celebrate individuals whose dedication, collaboration, and often behind-the-scenes efforts have significantly contributed to the success and development of the Action.
Birgit Pauksztat, Co-Chair of RethinkBlue, highlighted the importance of member engagement:
“As a COST Action, the engagement and enthusiasm of our members is essential for our success. The ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Awards are a way to recognise those who go above and beyond, often behind the scenes. It was a great pleasure at the Tallinn conference to celebrate Carla Gonçalves, Ioannis Katsounis, Sanja Kovačić and Priscila Silva, and to thank them for their invaluable contributions.”
Award recipient Ioannis Katsounis emphasised the importance of socially grounded research:
“In RethinkBlue, I contribute to Working Groups 1 and 3, support the Mentorship Programme and webinars, and help advance work on assessing the social impacts of the blue economy. A sustainable blue transition must be based on robust evidence and be socially fair.”
Reflecting on her experience, Priscila Silva noted:
“Being part of RethinkBlue has been a great opportunity to develop my career, collaborate with outstanding researchers, and contribute to something truly meaningful. Receiving this award was a wonderful moment, and I look forward to continuing to support the goals of the Action.”
Sanja Kovačić highlighted the value of collaboration and community-building:
“Through my involvement in the Mentorship and Science Communication teams, I have had the opportunity to work closely with colleagues, contribute to promoting the Action, and support initiatives that strengthen the position of early-career researchers. This work is both meaningful and personally fulfilling.”
For Carla Gonçalves, the award reflects a shared journey:
“Receiving this award is a humbling recognition of what has been, above all, a collective effort. RethinkBlue has offered invaluable opportunities—from mentorship and research collaboration to presenting my work internationally—and has connected me with an inspiring community of colleagues and friends.”
The awards ceremony was coordinated by Jovana Bezdan, Science Communication Co-Coordinator, who underscored the importance of recognition within the network:
“It is a great pleasure to support initiatives that empower our community and highlight members who make outstanding contributions and do truly remarkable work.”
The Mid-Term Conference in Tallinn marked a key milestone, bringing together European researchers and stakeholders to advance interdisciplinary collaboration, in line with RethinkBlue’s aim to assess the impacts and opportunities of the Blue Economy and promote its economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
For more information about the conference, visit:
https://rethinkblue.eu/news/rethinkblue-cost-action-concludes-mid-term-conference-in-tallinn/
More details about the Action (CA22122 – RethinkBlue) are available at:
https://rethinkblue.eu/
