Academic scholarships in the field of environmental and climate change in honor of Ellý Katrín
Climate change Environment
The City Executive Council today approved an annual scholarship in honor of Ellý Katrín Guðmundsdóttir, lawyer and former director and Chief Executive Officer. The grant will be awarded once a year for five years for master's theses or projects in the field of environmental and/or climate change.
Grants for projects or theses that directly relate to Reykjavík City or municipalities in general will receive priority. The City Executive Council also approved rules for the academic scholarship. Reykjavík City's Department of Environment & Planning will fund the grant.
A leader on climate change
Ellý Katrín worked for Reykjavík City for nearly 20 years, first as director of the Environmental Agency, then as director of the environment and transport department, and finally as Chief Executive Officer.
Ellý Katrín was a pioneer in environmental and climate change initiatives for the city. She led the integration of transportation and environmental policies while managing international climate collaborations, spearheading projects that opened new environmental dimensions for the city.
As a result, Reykjavík City established its first greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Many sustainable development projects were completed under Ellý's leadership, and she served as a positive role model and inspiration for her colleagues.
She inspired and encouraged many people when she spoke openly about her experience of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's at just 51 years old. She died from this disease this summer.
Grant awarded annually
The mayor will present the grant on Ellý's birthday, Sept. 15, each year for five years, beginning in 2025. The Environment & Planning Council determines the award amount annually, based on the budget. The call for applications will be announced by Jan. 10 each year, and applications must be submitted to the Department of Environment & Planning by April 30 of the award year.
The Environment & Planning Council appoints a selection committee for one-year terms.