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GEM’s Outstanding Contribution Award was presented this year to Luis Ernesto Mixco Duran, seismologist at El Salvador’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), in recognition of his long-standing commitment to earthquake risk reduction and his exemplary dedication to openness, collaboration and the public good.
The award was given on 26 June during the GEM Governing Board dinner in Pavia, Italy, attended by close to 50 participants including GEM staff, Board members, and Luis’ family. In an emotional speech, Luis described his journey from growing up in a disaster-affected community to becoming a public sector scientist committed to building a safer future for all Salvadorans.
“I grew up afraid of earthquakes. But through science and collaboration, I’ve found not only understanding, but also hope,” he said.
Luis has worked closely with GEM over the past two years through the Forecasting and Communicating Earthquake Hazard and Risk (FORCE) project, where El Salvador is one of the pilot countries. As the main national collaborator, he has played a central role in enabling access to hazard data, organising technical meetings, and coordinating with stakeholders from government, academia and civil society.
GEM Secretary General Helen Crowley, who presented the award, highlighted Luis’ impact: “He represents the kind of leadership GEM values most – grounded in humility, scientific rigour and an unwavering commitment to public service.”
The Outstanding Contribution Award, which GEM started to give out in 2012, is not presented annually, but only when an individual’s efforts stand out in a way that exemplifies GEM’s mission. Luis joins a small group of previous recipients whose work has meaningfully advanced the global understanding and communication of earthquake risk.
Read more about Luis’ story on the GEM website: From Fear to Resilience.
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