Kerstin Johannesson professor Tjärnö
Professor Kerstin Johannesson of the Department of Marine Sciences at University of Gothenburg has been awarded the Björn Carlson Baltic Sea Prize worth 4 million SEK for her pioneering research on the marine evolutionary biology of the Baltic Sea. Her work has advanced understanding of genetic diversity, local adaptation, and ecosystem resilience in the region.
Johannesson’s research has revealed that many Baltic Sea species consist of unique, locally adapted groups, highlighting the sea as a natural “Darwinian laboratory.” She also contributed to discovering that the species smaltång, once thought unique to the Baltic Sea, is actually a giant clone of common bladderwrack, spanning over 500 km of the Bottenhavet coast.
The award recognizes her scientific achievements, leadership in major research programs, and commitment to communicating marine science to policymakers, schools, and the public. 90 percent of the prize will support ongoing research, with the remainder for personal use.
Source: University of Gothenburg
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