February 05, 2024
[Award] Dr. Yan Ropert-Coudert awarded the Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur.
Dr. Yan Ropert-Coudert, a graduate of the Department of Polar Science(National Institute of Polar Research, NIPR),currently researcher in Marine Ecology Research at the Center for Biological Studies of Chizé (CEBC) and Director of the French Polar Institute, was awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur* by the Government of the French Republic in January 2024. This is in recognition of Dr. Ropert-Coudert's many years of distinguished service as Director of the French Institute of Polar Research.
Dr. Yan Ropert-Coudert
- Graduated from School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Polar Science (NIPR), SOKENDAI in March, 2001.
- Currently researcher in Marine Ecology Research at the Center for Biological Studies of Chizé (CEBC) and Director of the French Polar Institute.
Message from Dr. Yan Ropert-Coudert
It is a great honour for me to have been awarded this distinction and although I generally prefer to keep a low profile, I take it as a way for me to acknowledge all those who I have been privileged to meet during my career and who helped me at one stage or another to become who I am today. This medal is thus not only an individual recognition but also a collective recognition. The expression “standing on the shoulders of giants” is what comes to my mind when talking about the title : without all the giants I have met before I would not have been able to reach these heights ! And my 10 years in Japan are a foundation for my career both Sokendai and the National Institute of Polar Research have given me so much across these years that I am very glad to be able to share these words with you!
* Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur
"Legion d'Honneur" was created by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802. It is the highest French decoration and is awarded to military personnel and civilians in the fields of culture, science, industry, commerce, and creative activity, with the aim of recognizing outstanding achievement.
“Chevalier” is the fifth class of the Legion of Honor. In order for a French citizen to be awarded the Chevalier, he or she must have served in public office for at least 20 years or in a certain profession for 25 years, and must have met certain criteria, such as outstanding achievement. Furthermore, the person should be a man of decency and credibility.