Presentation of the prize
Ecology has developed as a separate science since the second half of the 20th century. As such a science, it is based on a body of knowledge obtained from the study of natural phenomena in the field or in the laboratory, often at a microscopic or mesoscopic scale, thus generating a reductionist approach to it which is consubstantial with modern science and has enabled it to progress to the level of other "hard" sciences. Moreover, ecology has also enjoyed a holistic, macroscopic approach, one embracing the workings of the entire biosphere, without forgetting applied aspects which, perhaps like no other science, have placed ecology at the very heart of many environmental problems over the last few decades. Yet despite this relative proximity to society, scant recognition continues to be given to ecology.
Professor Ramon Margalef i López (Barcelona, 1919-2004) was one of the first students and thinkers in the frame of this ecology, at once reductionist and holistic. Apart from achieving scientific and intellectual work of the highest magnitude, Professor Margalef also made a decisive contribution to establishing modern ecological science to the point where he is considered one of the world's leading figures in the field. This status is accorded him largely thanks to his ability to interpret natural systems in terms of information theory; that is to say, his recognition of the importance of the two dimensions - time and space - to understanding nature, and to his vision of humanity as an integral part of nature.
All this explains why, in 2004, the Government of Catalonia established the Premi Ramon Margalef for Ecology in honour of Professor Margalef's memory. The purpose of this international award, worth 100,000 euros, is to recognise people all over the world who have distinguished themselves in the field of ecology.
