Many professors have decades of knowledge and experience in their fields, but few are as decorated as Lonnie G. Thompson.

Thompson, a professor of geological science at Ohio State, has won an internationally-renowned Dr. H.P. Heineken Prize for Environmental Science in recognition of his 30 years of dedication in the field of analyzing ice cores in the tropics, which predicts the disastrous consequences of human behavior.

Thompson was awarded for his eagerness in the attempt to make his results accessible to the general public, his creativity in coming up with the ideas and planning the expeditions, and his ability to work diligently alone at very high altitudes.

Thompson concluded that ice caps atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa will melt within 15 years, contributing to a rise in sea level and affecting billions of lives in the tropical region, after he studied the data he collected over a decade.

Thompson’s most important accomplishment is his pioneer expedition to Peru’s Quelccaya in 1979, when he had made a judgment to explore the ice caps in the tropics when nobody believed it was worthwhile, he said.

In addition, because of Thompson’s foresight, he and his research team were able to gain access to the records of past climate and environmental conditions through examining the ice caps they drilled from the mountains before it vanished under the rising temperature.

“One thing I learn in mountains is if we fail, then we need to reflect on why,” Thompson said. “If you learn from your mistakes, then success will come.”

While the work was rewarding, it was not without some danger.

“The Chinese word ‘wei ji’ is made up of danger and opportunity, and it tells how it is exactly,” Thompson said.

One must understand the risk and reduce it in order to learn from a mistake, he said.

Working abroad and cooperatively to achieve a common goal among the team is always an experience Thompson looks forward to.

“We share a common vision to bring the information together to find out what is happening in the globe,” Thompson said.

Another factor contributing to the fruitful results of the research is the support from OSU.

“There are great colleagues in the administration,” Thompson said. “They know what our drive is – to understand the big issue that is important to humanity.”

Ellen Mosley Thompson, Thompson’s wife, has been his research partner and main source of assurance since the 1970s.

“It is important to have two people so that the production does not cease when one is on the field,” Thompson said. “And we act as base support for each other.”

Ellen Mosley Thompson, a professor in the department of geography, focused her research on polar glaciers.

“It is wonderful to know that the body of knowledge that we are contributing will be useful for many people for decades to come,” she said.

Mary Elizabeth Davis, research associate at the Byrd Polar Research Center and the first permanent staff member Thompson employed, said Thompson is unrelenting in his work and is friendly toward everyone.

“I have seen him coming up against almost impossible logistical odds that would have stopped most people in their tracks, but he is so persistent that he refuses to be defeated,” Davis said. “He is willing to make time for anyone who needs it, no matter who they are or how busy he is.”

Thompson is planning to go to Uganda, China and South America for his next expedition, which will take place in summer next year.

The Heineken award of $150,000 cash and a crystal symbol is financed by the Dr. H.P. Heineken Foundation, and is presented biannually to outstanding candidates who are nominated by scientists or scientific institutions from around the world.