お知らせ Notices
Satoshi Utsunomiya named Clair C. Patterson Medalist and Geochemistry Fellow
Satoshi Utsunomiya has been named the 2024 C. C. Patterson Medalist by Geochemical Society, and selected as a Geochemistry Fellow by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. 2024.03.07Notices
Satoshi Utsunomiya, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, will be honored with the 2024 Clair C. Patterson Award. This accolade recognizes innovative breakthroughs of fundamental significance in environmental geochemistry within the past decade, especially those serving society. He will become the second Japanese scientist to receive this esteemed award. His recognized work has elucidated the environmental impacts of radioactive microparticles released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and has illuminated the material chemistry of debris fragments associated with these microparticles. The innovative results and methodologies he has developed for analyzing radioactive microparticles have significantly accelerated the characterization of debris—a complex mixture of melted fuels and structural materials—which is among the most challenging tasks in the decommissioning process at Fukushima Daiichi.
Satoshi Utsunomiya says,
"I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious Patterson Award, named after Dr. Claire Patterson, a luminary in earth science. Dr. Patterson, who determined the Earth’s age to be 4.55 billion years and exposed the hazards of lead contamination, profoundly influenced my journey as an environmental scientist. His advocacy for reducing lead usage in gasoline, paint, and other industries, despite facing criticism, serves as an enduring inspiration. Throughout my Fukushima research, I encountered similar challenges and critiques. Drawing strength from Dr. Patterson's unwavering commitment to scientific principles, I navigated these obstacles with a steadfast focus on evidence, reminiscent of his resilience. Though I've never had the privilege of meeting Dr. Patterson, he has been my hero since my Ph.D. candidacy.
This recognition stems from my research into the environmental chemistry of radionuclides released during the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident 13 years ago, specifically highlighting their distinctive presence in particle form and their profound impact on the environment. I am gratified that this award brings renewed attention to the Fukushima issue, as numerous challenging problems persist in both environmental and decommissioning domains. The recognition signifies that geochemists remain vigilant in contributing scientifically to the complex issues at Fukushima and other nuclear legacy sites. Essentially, this award extends beyond an individual acknowledgment—it symbolizes the collective dedication of all researchers in the field of radiochemistry who have tirelessly delved into the environmental problems of radionuclides. It serves as an encouragement not only to me but to all radio-geo-chemists. Inspired by the legacies of those who came before and past recipients of this award, I am resolute in my commitment to advancing our understanding of nuclear disasters, environmental challenges, and the enduring complexities at Fukushima.
I am grateful for this award, which reflects not only my efforts but also the dedication and curiosity of my students and the strong collaborations we’ve forged with domestic and international research institutions. Their invaluable contribution and our collective achievements underscore the significance of this honor. I extend my deepest gratitude to my students for their unwavering dedication and to many collaborators for their generous support."
The Geochemical Society is a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to promoting the application of geochemistry in enhancing our understanding of the Earth and the solar system. Geochemistry encompasses a diverse range of fields, including organic geochemistry, high and low-temperature geochemistry, petrology, meteoritics, fluid-rock interaction, and isotope geochemistry.
Twenty-six years ago, the Geochemical Society, in partnership with the European Association of Geochemistry, established the honorary title of Geochemistry Fellow to recognize scientific eminence, achievements, and impact beyond the confines of major discoveries, the quantity of publications in high-impact journals, or the extent of funding acquired. This honor emphasizes the quality and significance of the recipient's contributions to the field of geochemistry.
Satoshi Utsunomiya is set to be awarded the title of Geochemistry Fellow, in addition to receiving the Clair C. Patterson Medal. Both honors will be presented at the Goldschmidt Conference in Chicago in August 2024.