Professor Price with his King Albert Mountain Award

An academic has received an international award for his contribution to mountain research.

Professor Martin Price, director of the Centre for Mountain Studies, Perth College, University of Highlands and Islands was awarded a gold medal by the King Albert I Memorial Foundation.

The citation for the award commends Prof Price’s work with international organisations, and his role as the organiser of international mountain conferences over the past two decades.

It also praises his wide knowledge and editorial competence, describing this as a vital role for the mountains of the world: ‘His global interactions and contributions have been a major force in mountain research and development,’ it said.

He holds the Unesco chair in sustainable mountain development, and has written and edited many books contributing to the knowledge and sustainable development of mountain areas, on topics including forests, tourism, global change and interdisciplinary research.

The foundation was established in 1993 in memory of King Albert I of Belgium, a keen mountaineer. Its aim is to honour people and institutions that have made exceptional contributions to the mountain world.