APECS is pleased to recognise Professor Stefano Schiaparelli as the recipient of the 2025 APECS International Mentorship Award.
Professor Stefano Schiaparelli (University of Genoa, Italy; Italian National Antarctic Museum) was recognised for his exceptional and long-standing dedication to mentoring the next generation of polar researchers. Throughout his career in Antarctic marine biology, he has actively created opportunities for early career researchers to develop their scientific skills, expand their professional networks, and become meaningfully involved in the wider polar research community.
A particularly important aspect of Stefano's mentorship has been his commitment to ensuring that early career researchers are not only supported in their individual research, but also given opportunities to participate in the structures and conversations shaping Antarctic science. This has included facilitating the involvement of young researchers in Italian SCAR Science Group meetings and supporting early-career representation in discussions around national Antarctic research priorities.
Through these efforts, Stefano has helped early-career researchers build connections across institutions and generations, gain visibility within the Antarctic research community, and develop the confidence and experience needed to contribute beyond their own individual research projects.
His mentorship reflects the values at the heart of the APECS International Mentorship Award: investing time and energy in early career researchers, opening pathways for their professional development, and helping create a supportive and inclusive polar research community.
Congratulations to Professor Stefano Schiaparelli, and thank you for your continued commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of polar researchers!