JOHNSTON, R.I., USA, October 26, 2023 – Commercial property insurer FM Global today announced that retired FM Global research scientist Gunnar Heskestad received the Kunio Kawagoe Gold Medal during the 14th International Symposium on Fire Safety Science in Tsukuba, Japan. Heskestad is the 11th winner of the award since its inception in 1994.
Awarded by the International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS), the Kunio Kawagoe Gold Medal recognizes lifelong contributions to and career achievements in fire science and engineering. Recipients of the award are recognized for significant and lasting contributions to fire science and engineering through innovation and the impact of their publications, according to the IAFSS, and through their research findings, award winners “frequently led to paradigm shifts in fire regulations, in fire standards and in practical applications of fire safety science and engineering around the world.”
FM Global is a commercial property insurer with best-in-class expertise in fire loss prevention and experience in helping to enhance standards for fire protection.
“We are extremely proud to celebrate Gunnar’s remarkable career and achievements,” said Louis Gritzo, chief science officer of FM Global. “This recognition highlights the extraordinary contributions Gunnar made to fire science and engineering around the world, to FM Global and to the many companies and organizations he helped protect through his work.”
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Heskestad. “I was fortunate to work with amazing clients and colleagues throughout my career, and I am grateful for the recognition of these collective accomplishments. I thank the IAFSS for this honor and for its ongoing work to advance research in fire science and safety.”
About FM Global
Established nearly two centuries ago, FM Global is a mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM Global to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity in order to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.
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