by InTrieste
In a historic accolade, the Laura Bassi, the icebreaker vessel of the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics – OGS, has emerged triumphant in the 29th edition of the Barcola Prize. The Prize’s organizing committee, led by Alberto Cattaruzza, bestowed the honor upon Nicola Casagli, President of OGS.
The Barcola Prize, established by a group of private citizens, aims to commend individuals, associations, entities, and businesses that, in various realms of daily life (cultural, economic, scientific, artistic, and sporting), contribute to, promote, and enhance the image of Trieste, both in Italy and globally.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the personnel engaged in various capacities aboard the Laura Bassi and the entire OGS, President Nicola Casagli remarked, “I am particularly honored that this recognition comes from the citizens for an infrastructure that has helped make Trieste a focal point for international scientific research.”
Alberto Cattaruzza, President of the Barcola Prize Committee, highlighted the uniqueness of this recognition, stating, “It is the first time that such an acknowledgment has been attributed to an object rather than an entity directly identifiable as a person or a group of individuals, such as an association or a professional team.” He emphasized that the Laura Bassi embodies much more – a convergence of seafaring and scientific minds, a manifestation of profound intellect, and the application of sophisticated technologies.
The Laura Bassi, an oceanographic vessel equipped as an icebreaker for polar research, supports the national and international scientific community. It has undertaken numerous polar research expeditions, including the 38th Italian expedition in the National Research Program in Antarctica (PNRA). In January of the previous year, it reached the southernmost point ever navigated by a vessel in the Ross Sea, Bay of Whales, under the command of Captain Franco Sedmak, with 58 individuals on board, comprising crew and research teams, and Franco Coren, director of the Naval Infrastructure Management Center at OGS.
In recognition of this remarkable feat, the Barcola Prize Committee has decided to award the Barcola Prize 2023 to the Laura Bassi and all those involved in the endeavor. The prize includes a bronze sculpture by Trieste artist Enzo Mari, commemorating the figure overlooking the Barcola Lighthouse of Victory.
