Dr. Oliver A. Ryder, Director of Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) and co-chair of the IUCN's Conservation Planning Specialist Group, will be honored with the ninth Nat Award. The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 28th, at 6:30 PM at the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona, located in Parc del Fòrum (pl. Leonardo da Vinci, 4-5).
Ryder, recognized for his extensive career in molecular genetics, genomics, and genetic rescue initiatives, has contributed to the conservation management of species such as gorillas, California condors, African rhinos, and Przewalski's horses. He currently leads the strategic development of a global network of cryobank facilities for species conservation.
During the event, Dr. Ryder will deliver a lecture titled "The Development and Application of Biodiversity Banks for the Conservation of Endangered Animal Species." The ceremony will be presided over by Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor for Economy, Housing, Finance, and Tourism, and Carles Lalueza, Director of the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona. Science communicator Anna Morales will host the event.
The Nat Award, established in 2018 to commemorate the Museum's 140th anniversary, annually recognizes individuals or institutions for their contributions to the dissemination of natural sciences, fostering scientific vocations, and nature conservation. The award includes a prize of five thousand euros.
