Operations Director John Eager awarded Polar Medal
John Eager, Operations Director at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, has been awarded the Polar Medal.
The Polar Medal is awarded by Her Majesty the Queen to people who have given valued service in the polar regions.
The award recognises Eager’s outstanding and sustained leadership in the UK’s Antarctic programme during his years of service as Head of Polar Operations at the British Antarctic Survey.
“To receive a Polar Medal is a huge honour and certainly one I never expected. It has been a privilege to support the planning, logistics and delivery of research in Antarctica” says Eager.
“This is a very proud day. The medal belongs as much as it does to my amazing family, as it does to me, for the support they have given me while I spent so much time in Antarctica.”
John Eager, Operations Director at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science
Eager joined the National Centre for Atmospheric Science in October last year, and brings a wealth of expertise and experience in handling complex logistical operations, supporting science facilities, and managing teams of people working in environmental science.
Working at the British Antarctic Survey, Eager played an essential role in Antarctic operations, and has worked in many behind-the-scenes roles that enable research to take place.
“From my early career at British Antarctic Survey as a chef at Halley 5 research station to my last day as Head of Polar Operations overseeing the research stations, ships and aircraft, every action was in support of the scientists” says Eager.
“I am delighted to have played a part in facilitating researchers from PhD students to those that lead their chosen field, to unlock the mysteries and help to predict the future of Antarctica.”
Professor Stephen Mobbs, Executive Director, extended his congratulations on behalf of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.
“We are delighted that our Operations Director and colleague John Eager has been awarded the Polar Medal by Her Majesty the Queen for outstanding achievement and service to the United Kingdom. This is a well deserved recognition and we warmly congratulate John” says Professor Mobbs.
“We also extend our congratulations to our frequent collaborator Professor Ian Brooks, who has also been awarded the Polar Medal for his research in the Arctic and Antarctic” he adds.
John Eager joins an illustrious list of Polar Medal recipients that includes Captain Robert F Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sir Vivian Fuchs.
Initially the Polar Medal set out to reward the participants of the first successful expedition to the Antarctic region, but in recent decades most awards have been made to people who – over prolonged periods of time and often in harsh conditions – have worked to advance knowledge of the polar regions.