OSU Forestry Professor Earns International Prize for Climate Modeling Work

To: OSU faculty and staff

From: Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President

April 29, 2020

Dear OSU faculty and staff,

I am delighted to share that Richard Waring, distinguished professor emeritus in Oregon State University’s College of Forestry, is one of three researchers sharing this year’s international Marcus Wallenberg Prize for his work to develop a revolutionary computer model to predict forest growth in a changing climate.

The Marcus Wallenberg Prize is awarded annually to a researcher or small group of researchers for groundbreaking discovery or development important to the forest industry globally. Professor Waring is receiving the prize with co-honorees Joe Landsberg and Nicholas Coops of Australia. Each recipient will receive their prize in October from Swedish King Carl Gustav XVI along with a cash award of $200,000.

Waring’s collaboration with Landsberg and Coops has helped land managers make critical decisions by providing a tool that predicts how stands of tree species respond to changing environments. As scientists globally advance knowledge of the impacts of climate change on our environment and society, it is important to note that the work of Professor Waring and his colleagues supports our ability to navigate the global climate crisis while also sustaining rural economies.

After joining OSU in 1963, Professor Waring was active in forest science teaching and research until 2018. Over the years, his commitment to student success and research discovery had a tremendous impact on forest science within the university and globally. As an OSU professor, his contributions also played a significant role in Oregon State’s internationally recognized status as a leader in forestry and natural resources research and education.

Please join me in congratulating Professor Waring and his colleagues for this well-deserved honor.

Sincerely,

Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President