Likens accepts Einstein award

Gene E. Likens, distinguished research professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and the discoverer of acid rain, was named an Einstein professor by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in recognition of his work as a pioneering ecologist.

Likens is in China to receive the award as well as an honorary degree from Jinan University.

He will give a plenary lecture at the International Society of Limnology in Nanjing as well as lectures at Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Jinan University, and the South China Botanical Garden.

Each year the China Academy of Sciences awards Einstein professorships to 15-20 scientists who are actively working at the frontiers of science and technology.

Likens, who also is the founding director and president emeritus of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, spends several weeks each year working with students and faculty in EEB on research. He will be on campus this year from Nov. 12 to Dec. 19.

Likens won the National Medal of Science in 2001. He received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been awarded several honorary doctorates, including one from UConn in 2004.