2026 winners of the medal
Dr. Warwick Vincent,
Dr. Judit Padisák
&
Dr. David Hamilton
Dr. Judit Padisák
Dr. Judit Padisák
Judit Padisák is a leading limnologist known for her foundational contributions to phytoplankton ecology and functional group theory. Her research has transformed understanding of cyanobacterial blooms, phytoplankton succession, and ecosystem resilience. She developed the widely used Q-index, an ecological status assessment tool adopted internationally under the EU Water Framework Directive.
Dr. Warwick Vincent
Dr. Warwick Vincent
Professor Emeritus at Université Laval and former Director of the Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Warwick F. Vincent is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on high-latitude and polar freshwater ecosystems. His work spans aquatic systems from Antarctica to the High Arctic and has advanced understanding of plankton dynamics, biodiversity, and climate-change impacts. A dedicated SIL member for nearly five decades, he has made lasting contributions to limnological education and global scientific collaboration.
Dr. David Hamilton
Dr. David Hamilton
David Hamilton is an internationally respected freshwater scientist whose work in water-quality modelling and ecosystem dynamics has shaped lake and river management worldwide. He currently serves as Director of the Australian Rivers Institute and is a co-founder of the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON). As Editor-in-Chief of Inland Waters, he has played a central role in advancing global limnological research.
