Professor Robert Watson, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been named winner of the 2007 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) International Scientific Cooperation Award.

He was cited for his outstanding contributions to promoting international scientific cooperation in scientific research, communication and training as well as his work on environment and sustainable development.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, said: "We are very proud to have such a world class scientist working at Defra. I am delighted that Bob Watson has been recognised for his outstanding body of work on an international level.

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"He has made an enormous contribution to the understanding of some of the biggest challenges facing the world today and continues to bring scientists from all over the world together to find answers."

Professor Watson, on receiving the accolade, said: "It's an honour to receive such an award. I am delighted that the work of thousands of scientists working together on issues of development and environmental sustainability is taken so seriously.

"With international cooperation we can address issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, water resources and the sustainable production of food on a global scale, but there is much to do. I am very grateful to receive such recognition from my peers."

Established in 1992, the AAAS Award for International Scientific Cooperation recognises an individual or a limited number of individuals for making extraordinary cooperation in science and engineering.

(JM)