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ARGENTINA | 05-06-2019 17:03

Prominent Argentine biologist wins prestigious prize for scientific research

Sandra Myrna Díaz, who graduated in Biology at the National University of Cordoba and specialises in botany, recognised for pioneering work on how biodiversity can counter climate change.

Sandra Myrna Díaz, a prominent Argentine biologist working on how plants can help fight climate change, has won Spain's Princess of Asturias Award for Scientific Research.

A second US biologist, Joanne Chory, was also honoured with a Premio Princesa de Asturias from the Spanish foundation for her own pioneering work related to climate change and biodiversity.

Studies on plant biology by Chory, a researcher with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Maryland, and Díaz in Argentina, have been independent but complementary, the jury said Wednesday.

Chory's work at the molecular and cellular level of plants have shed light on how they are able to absorb carbon dioxide, which scientists say is connected to global warming. 

Díaz, who graduated in Biology at the National University of Cordoba and specialises in botany, has focused on the role of biodiversity in countering climate change. The jury said her work was a "scientific reference in the area of ​​ecology."

The duo's work "has placed them at the forefront of new lines of research with future important implications in the fight against climate change," the jury said in a statement.

The 50,000-euro (US$55,000) annual award is one of eight Asturias prizes handed out yearly by a foundation named for Crown Princess Leonor. Other categories include the arts and sport. Recipients also receive a sculpture by Joan Miró and a diploma.

Its far from the first award for either scientist. Chory has previously received prestigious awards including the L'Oreal-Unesco Award for Women in Science, while Díaz holds Platinum Konex prizes in biology and ecology.

Díaz is also an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, the Academy of Sciences of France and the British Royal Society.

- TIMES/AFP/AP

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