CSD scientist David W. Fahey received the 2009 Daniel L. Albritton Outstanding Science Communicator Award at a ceremony held December 3 in Silver Spring, MD. He received the award for his "...extraordinary work in communicating scientific information about the ozone layer to decision makers, educators, and the public worldwide."
The award specifically recognizes Fahey's leadership of a document known as Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer. The "Twenty Questions and Answers" documents were published in 2002 and 2006 in association with the work of the Scientific Assessment Panel of the United Nations Montreal Protocol, the international agreement that protects the Earth's ozone layer. An update of the document is in preparation for 2010. Fahey has been at the helm throughout this time, which is now nearly a decade of work. He undertook the task with great enthusiasm and creativity. He personally and painstakingly developed the text, figures, and presentation of the Twenty Questions with a mind toward effective communication to diverse audiences. His personal passion for the topic has propelled the truly global reach of the document, which has been translated into all the U.N. languages and communicated by Fahey at levels ranging from the highest international decision making meetings to stakeholders, educators, the general public, and students. He further extended its reach by developing a stunning poster, a step "above and beyond" the call of duty that he personally initiated. This is science communication with impact– Fahey has given the world a unique scientific communication of impeccable quality.
Background: The OAR Dr. Daniel L. Albritton Outstanding Science Communicator Award recognizes outstanding achievement in communicating the meaning and value of NOAA-related science and research to non-scientific audiences. The award is named in honor of Dr. Daniel Albritton, the first director of NOAA ESRL CSD, who proved to be one of the most effective communicators of NOAA research and related science. His career exemplifies a scientist serving national and international needs and using science for the benefit of mankind.