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CORVALLIS, Ore. -  Jane Lubchenco, an internationally recognized marine ecologist at Oregon State University, has received the 2016 Linus Pauling Legacy Award sponsored by the Oregon State University Libraries and Press.

The Pauling Award recognizes outstanding achievement in a subject of interest to the famous scientist and two-time Nobel laureate. Lubchenco is the ninth winner of the prestigious award, and several of the previous recipients were Nobel Prize winners.

As part of the celebration marking the award, Lubchenco will deliver a free public lecture in Portland, Ore., on Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Oregon Historical Society, 1200 S.W. Park Ave. Her presentation is titled "Scientists Making Waves and Bringing Hope."

Lubchenco is the university distinguished professor and advisor in marine studies at OSU, and was formerly the administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. As one of the most highly cited ecologists in the world, she has received numerous honors including a MacArthur "genius" award and 20 honorary doctorates.

In addition to her work at OSU, Lubchenco is currently serving as the first U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean and is an international expert on marine ecology, environmental science and climate change. She is a pioneer in the development of marine protected areas and reserves, and in fisheries reform, which are complementary efforts to return fisheries to sustainability and profitability while protecting habitats and biodiversity.

"Your accomplishments and leadership in ecology and environmental sustainability are impressive," said Faye A. Chadwell, the Donald and Delpha Campbell university librarian and OSU press director who announced Lubchenco as the recipient of the award.

"Linus Pauling would have applauded your focus on the interactions between the environment and human well-being, as much of the work that he undertook during his long and varied career was dedicated to improving the human condition."

Pauling, the most distinguished graduate in OSU history, is the only recipient of two unshared Nobel Prizes, for chemistry and peace. The papers of Pauling and his wife, Ava Helen Pauling, are held by OSU Libraries Special Collections and Archives Research Center, and the Linus Pauling Institute at OSU continues to pursue Pauling's interest in the study of micronutrients and phytochemicals in diet and optimum health.

Lubchenco's lecture in Portland is wheelchair accessible. Individuals requiring other accommodations should contact Don Frier at 541-737-4633 or [email protected] by April 20 so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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