Prof Michael Strasser, University of Innsbruck, Austria, receives the 2017 Asahiko Taira International Scientific Ocean Drilling Research Prize. This prize is given annually to an early-middle career honoree in recognition of “outstanding transdisciplinary research accomplishment in ocean drilling”.

Professor Strasser’s research contributes to the better understanding of the geological processes that govern the nature and evolution of earthquakes like, subaquatic landslides and tsunamis. His research results help towards a more accurate assessment of risks from such natural hazards to people and infrastructure. An important pillar of Strasser’s research is his involvement in IODP: Prof. Strasser took part in several  expeditions such as NanTroSEIZE Expeditions 316 and 338 onboard the Chikyu and he is the Lead Proponent for Proposal #866 Japan Trench Paleoseismology. M. Strasser is also the current ESSAC Alternate for Austria.

photo caption: Co-chief Michael Strasser and scientists discussing cuttings flow details in the lab during Expedition 338 NanTroSEIZE Plate Boundary Deep Riser 2 (© JAMSTEC/IODP).