On Wednesday December 27 a ceremony organized by the Newspaper “El Sur” took place in Concepción, during which Bárbara Léniz, Outreach deputy director at the Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO), was recognized as one of the “50 young leaders of the south of Chile.”

The awards, given every year by this newspaper, honor young people who have contributed to the progress, development and welfare of the Biobío Region through their outstanding professional performance in areas as diverse as the arts, sciences, culture, teaching and sports.

In the case of Bárbara, a marine biologist with a Master’s degree in Oceanography, the prize represents recognition of the important role in the dissemination of science that she performs through IMO’s Outreach team, leading and motivating all its members, who bring marine sciences closer to society at large and the school community in particular through various activities, programs and workshops. In this regard, Léniz said: “I feel honored by the distinction and proud of my team, with whom I share the prize because I couldn’t carry out my tasks without them.” She also thanked IMO for the opportunity it has given her to follow her vocation and to disseminate science to society, which is what most motivates her.

The prestigious honor bestowed on Bárbara Léniz by “El Sur” illustrates the excellent quality of the Biobío Region’s advanced human capital, among whom she stands out as an example for future generations of regional scientists, working every day for the benefit of the community.