News
AZTI researcher María Jesús Belzunce has been honoured with the ICES Service Award, a distinction granted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the international scientific community.
This recognition highlights her leadership of the Working Group on Marine Sediments in Relation to Pollution (WGMS) and Marine Chemistry Working Group (MCWG), both of which she chaired continuously between 2018 and 2025.
During this period, María Jesús made a significant contribution to advancing knowledge on marine pollution and marine chemistry, while also fostering international scientific collaboration within the ICES network. The organisation particularly recognised her leadership skills and her key role in adapting these working groups to new models of collaboration, ensuring continuity and scientific excellence in an international environment undergoing constant change.
This recognition coincides with the conclusion of her role as AZTI’s representative within ICES, following a career marked by commitment, scientific rigour and a strong international profile.
At AZTI, we would like to express our gratitude to María Jesús for her dedication, her contribution to strengthening the centre’s international standing, and her commitment to advancing marine research. We also extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.