MBARI President and CEO Antje Boetius has been awarded the title of Knight of the French National Order of Merit, recognizing her contributions to ocean science and policy.

Bestowed by the President of the French Republic, the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite recognizes individuals who have dedicated more than 10 years of service to civil, military, and private service.

A global leader in ocean sciences, Boetius’s work has provided vital insight into the impacts of climate change on the ocean and polar ecosystems, especially changes to marine microbial communities. She has acted as a policy advisor to numerous national and international commissions on climate, biodiversity, and science innovation. 

Boetius is a co-president of the board of trustees and executive direction for Mission Neptune, an international initiative under the high patronage of the President of the French Republic and the President of the European Commission that seeks to advance collective action for sustainable governance of the ocean.

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