Laura Gargan is this year’s winner of the prestigious Cousteau Society annual award for best academic achievement in Marine Sciences at Ulster.

Her final year dissertation examined marine fouling, which can be a major problem in coastal engineering and shipping.

One factor which can influence the development of fouling growth is the colour of the surface it attaches to, and that was the focus of Laura's dissertation project.

Laura identified it as an interesting research topic and an important issue that is poorly documented in scientific literature. The high quality of her dissertation helped her win the important Cousteau award.

Founded by Jacques Cousteau in 1973, the society is the world's best-known non-profit organisation dedicated to exploring and preserving Earth's ocean environment. With members worldwide and offices in the USA and France, it raises funds for environmental marine research worldwide.

Dr Derek Jackson, Course Director of Ulster’s Marine Science programme, said: “We once again are honoured that the Cousteau Society has recognised Marine Science at Ulster in such a way.  The Cousteau name is known internationally and this award provides a great start to any graduate boost at the start of their career.”

Clark Lee Merriam, from the Cousteau Society said: “Captain Jacques Cousteau, founder of the Society, retained a 'stainless faith' in the young people of today and the generations of tomorrow to find ways to understand and protect the planet we all share.

“Scientific research, such as that undertaken by Laura is the basis of the understanding that will lead to better decision-making for the conservation of marine resources.”

For further information, please contact:

Martin Cowley
Telephone: 028 71675083
Email: Martin Cowley