We are excited to share that our Vice President, Dr. Helen K. Larson, has been awarded the Pieter Bleeker Award for Excellence in Indo-Pacific Ichthyology, a distinguished international recognition in the field of fish systematics.
Presented at the 12th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC) in June 2025, the award honours Helen’s lifetime of contributions to the taxonomy and classification of Indo-Pacific fishes, particularly her work with small, complex and often overlooked species.
“I nearly fell off my chair when they told me,” Helen said. “I’m deeply honoured, and it certainly justifies my love of tiny colourful baffling fishes.”
Helen is the first woman to receive the award since it was established in 2005. Previous recipients include well-known names in ichthyology such as John Randall, Gerald Allen and Douglass Hoese. Her award represents an important shift in the recognition of women scientists in a field historically dominated by men.
Although unable to attend the conference in person, Helen delivered a 40-minute plenary presentation remotely, sharing highlights from her career, the impact of her research, and key challenges for the future. A recording of the talk will be made available by the IPFC.
In addition to this recognition, Helen’s recent paper on the elusive “Noodlefish” will be featured on the cover of Zootaxa, one of the world’s leading journals in taxonomy.
Helen’s research has played a key role in advancing our understanding of Indo-Pacific biodiversity. Her knowledge continues to inform conservation practice and education through her work with C4.
Congratulations, Helen, on this well-deserved honour.