28 / 07 / 2014
Professor Fleming is an environmental health physician and epidemiologist and a pioneer in the research to understand the impact that oceanic factors, such as harmful algal blooms, can have on health. With over 25 years of experience in this area she has an excellent track record: publishing more than 150 scientific publications, 9 monographs and books and 25 book chapters dedicated to the subject. She is currently director of the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Cornwall where she studies, with a team of more than 60 persons, the relation between harmful algal blooms and human health in the UK.
The presentation of the international scientific prize took place at the InnovOcean site in Ostend. The celebration was introduced by Dr. Jan Mees, General Director of VLIZ. Dr. G. Casteur followed with a fascinating account depicting the history of the non-profit organisation HYDRO and the Edouard Delcroix prize that is awarded for the seventh time in memory of the renowned Belgian pioneer in thalassotherapy Edouard Delcroix (1891-1973). Prof. C. Janssen, chairman of the scientific board of VLIZ, surprised the guests with a laudation of the laureate. To conclude Prof. Lora Fleming presented her prize-winning work under the title ‘Harmful algal blooms, microbial pollution of marine waters, and climate change beyond the state of the art (Oceans and Human Health)‘.
Harmful algal blooms, HABs, are exuberant growths of microalgae such as dinoflagellates, diatoms and cyanobacteria. They are often called ‘red tides’ linked to the red colouring of the seawater they cause. These intense blooms produce toxins, including some of the most poisonous substances that can cause harm to the local ecology including animals and people. From a human health perspective the most common exposure is via the consumption of contaminated shellfish and other sea food. The toxins are extremely resistant and traditional cooking methods are often not effective.
‘HABs appear to be increasing worldwide and this might have multiple causes’, states Prof. Fleming ‘Simultaneously it is a recent trend that increasing numbers of people opt for coastal living associated to health benefits and positive effect on well-being of the oceans and seas. However this results in increasing pressures and stress on coastal ecosystems disturbing their ecological equilibrium. We should therefore continuously assess possible negative feedbacks and consequences.’
The scientific publications of Prof. Fleming as well as her presentation and pictures of the prize-giving ceremony can be consulted on the VLIZ webpage about the Delcroix prize.
Following articles, dedicated to the prestigious prize, appeared in the media:
De Standaard: De giftige walmen van de rooie soep
University of Exeter, Medical School: Professor Fleming wins international research prize
University of Miami, Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science: 2013 Delcroix Prize in Oceans and Human Health
The presentation of the international scientific prize took place at the InnovOcean site in Ostend. The celebration was introduced by Dr. Jan Mees, General Director of VLIZ. Dr. G. Casteur followed with a fascinating account depicting the history of the non-profit organisation HYDRO and the Edouard Delcroix prize that is awarded for the seventh time in memory of the renowned Belgian pioneer in thalassotherapy Edouard Delcroix (1891-1973). Prof. C. Janssen, chairman of the scientific board of VLIZ, surprised the guests with a laudation of the laureate. To conclude Prof. Lora Fleming presented her prize-winning work under the title ‘Harmful algal blooms, microbial pollution of marine waters, and climate change beyond the state of the art (Oceans and Human Health)‘.
Harmful algal blooms, HABs, are exuberant growths of microalgae such as dinoflagellates, diatoms and cyanobacteria. They are often called ‘red tides’ linked to the red colouring of the seawater they cause. These intense blooms produce toxins, including some of the most poisonous substances that can cause harm to the local ecology including animals and people. From a human health perspective the most common exposure is via the consumption of contaminated shellfish and other sea food. The toxins are extremely resistant and traditional cooking methods are often not effective.
‘HABs appear to be increasing worldwide and this might have multiple causes’, states Prof. Fleming ‘Simultaneously it is a recent trend that increasing numbers of people opt for coastal living associated to health benefits and positive effect on well-being of the oceans and seas. However this results in increasing pressures and stress on coastal ecosystems disturbing their ecological equilibrium. We should therefore continuously assess possible negative feedbacks and consequences.’
The scientific publications of Prof. Fleming as well as her presentation and pictures of the prize-giving ceremony can be consulted on the VLIZ webpage about the Delcroix prize.
Following articles, dedicated to the prestigious prize, appeared in the media:
De Standaard: De giftige walmen van de rooie soep
University of Exeter, Medical School: Professor Fleming wins international research prize
University of Miami, Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science: 2013 Delcroix Prize in Oceans and Human Health