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NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials from the Indianapolis Zoo announce Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, renowned scientist and biodiversity conservationist in Madagascar, as the 2025 Winner of the Indianapolis Prize.
Throughout his years of research and expeditions, René de Roland has discovered several new species, led the establishment of four national protected areas and developed community-focused conservation programs. Since 2004, he has been the National Director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program, where he oversees a team of 48 Malagasy conservationists working to conserve wildlife and landscapes in his homeland.
René de Roland is the tenth Winner of the Indianapolis Prize.
"Dr. René de Roland's community-based models and decades of research have not only alleviated human-wildlife conflicts—they have also helped to conserve Madagascar's unique and wonderful animals and ecosystems. He is dedicated, resourceful and a fierce advocate for Madagascar wildlife, and I'm proud to announce him as this year's Indianapolis Prize Winner," said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo.
René de Roland's contribution to the discovery of a variety of species is substantial, including the rediscovery of the Madagascar pochard, a rare duck thought to be extinct since the 1990s. He and his team rediscovered the species during a challenging expedition to a remote area of northern Madagascar in 2006. René de Roland has also contributed to the discovery of two previously undescribed lemur species in northern Madagascar. Due to his extensive impact on biodiversity conservation, scientists named a newly described wolf spider, Katableps lilyarisoni, after René de Roland in 2021. Most recently, during a 2022 expedition, René de Roland led a team to the rediscovery of the Dusky tetraka, a small songbird that had eluded ornithologists for 20 years.
"I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Indianapolis Zoo," said René de Roland. "My work is inspired by my pride for my country's biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people."
René de Roland has led the creation of four national protected areas in Madagascar totaling over 1,500 square miles, including rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, mangroves and savannahs. These efforts not only preserve endemic Madagascar species under threat but also improve the lives of local people, with whom René de Roland works to manage these areas and sustainably leverage their resources.
Through his work, René de Roland has also helped to shape the next generation of Malagasy conservationists. His legacy extends to more than 100 students at local Madagascar universities, with his mentees earning 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees.
"The Peregrine Fund is tremendously proud of Lily, whose commitment to science, conservation and his community inspires us all," said Chris N. Parish, President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund. "We are beyond excited that the Indianapolis Prize is recognizing him for his research, mentorship and decades of work in the conservation profession."
René de Roland earned his master's degree, doctoral degree and professorship at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar. He joined The Peregrine Fund as a student in 1992 to study Madagascar's imperiled raptors.
Established by the Indianapolis Zoo in 2004, the Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards the world's preeminent animal conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Winners receive $250,000, which is the largest individual monetary award given in the animal conservation field.
René de Roland, the 2025 Indianapolis Prize DeHaan Finalists and the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award Winner will be celebrated at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on Sept. 27, 2025, presented by Cummins Inc., in downtown Indianapolis.
For additional media assets for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize, click here. To learn more about the previous Indianapolis Prize Winners, visit IndianapolisPrize.org.
About the Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The Emerging Conservationist Award, a newly established accolade in 2023, is given to a conservationist aged 40 or younger. Since 2004, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million in unrestricted cash awards, advancing the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness.
The Indianapolis Prize is a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo.
Connect with the Prize on Facebook, X, Instagram and indianapolisprize.org.
NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials from the Indianapolis Zoo announce Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, renowned scientist and biodiversity conservationist in Madagascar, as the 2025 Winner of the Indianapolis Prize.
Throughout his years of research and expeditions, René de Roland has discovered several new species, led the establishment of four national protected areas and developed community-focused conservation programs. Since 2004, he has been the National Director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program, where he oversees a team of 48 Malagasy conservationists working to conserve wildlife and landscapes in his homeland.
René de Roland is the tenth Winner of the Indianapolis Prize.
"Dr. René de Roland's community-based models and decades of research have not only alleviated human-wildlife conflicts—they have also helped to conserve Madagascar's unique and wonderful animals and ecosystems. He is dedicated, resourceful and a fierce advocate for Madagascar wildlife, and I'm proud to announce him as this year's Indianapolis Prize Winner," said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo.
René de Roland's contribution to the discovery of a variety of species is substantial, including the rediscovery of the Madagascar pochard, a rare duck thought to be extinct since the 1990s. He and his team rediscovered the species during a challenging expedition to a remote area of northern Madagascar in 2006. René de Roland has also contributed to the discovery of two previously undescribed lemur species in northern Madagascar. Due to his extensive impact on biodiversity conservation, scientists named a newly described wolf spider, Katableps lilyarisoni, after René de Roland in 2021. Most recently, during a 2022 expedition, René de Roland led a team to the rediscovery of the Dusky tetraka, a small songbird that had eluded ornithologists for 20 years.
"I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Indianapolis Zoo," said René de Roland. "My work is inspired by my pride for my country's biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people."
René de Roland has led the creation of four national protected areas in Madagascar totaling over 1,500 square miles, including rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, mangroves and savannahs. These efforts not only preserve endemic Madagascar species under threat but also improve the lives of local people, with whom René de Roland works to manage these areas and sustainably leverage their resources.
Through his work, René de Roland has also helped to shape the next generation of Malagasy conservationists. His legacy extends to more than 100 students at local Madagascar universities, with his mentees earning 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees.
"The Peregrine Fund is tremendously proud of Lily, whose commitment to science, conservation and his community inspires us all," said Chris N. Parish, President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund. "We are beyond excited that the Indianapolis Prize is recognizing him for his research, mentorship and decades of work in the conservation profession."
René de Roland earned his master's degree, doctoral degree and professorship at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar. He joined The Peregrine Fund as a student in 1992 to study Madagascar's imperiled raptors.
Established by the Indianapolis Zoo in 2004, the Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards the world's preeminent animal conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Winners receive $250,000, which is the largest individual monetary award given in the animal conservation field.
René de Roland, the 2025 Indianapolis Prize DeHaan Finalists and the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award Winner will be celebrated at the Indianapolis Prize Gala on Sept. 27, 2025, presented by Cummins Inc., in downtown Indianapolis.
For additional media assets for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize, click here. To learn more about the previous Indianapolis Prize Winners, visit IndianapolisPrize.org.
About the Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The Emerging Conservationist Award, a newly established accolade in 2023, is given to a conservationist aged 40 or younger. Since 2004, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million in unrestricted cash awards, advancing the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness.
The Indianapolis Prize is a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo.
Connect with the Prize on Facebook, X, Instagram and indianapolisprize.org.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Renowned Madagascar Scientist, Explorer and Mentor Named Winner of World's Leading Animal Conservation Award
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- Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
- Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
- Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.
BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.
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LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});
"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.
'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.
"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.
With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Key Product Information
- Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
- Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
- LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
- Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
- Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
- FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL
Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.
Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI
About LEGO® Education
LEGO® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.
Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com
- Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
- Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
- Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.
BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.
LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});
"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.
'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.
"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.
With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Key Product Information
- Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
- Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
- LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
- Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
- Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
- FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL
Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.
Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI
About LEGO® Education
LEGO® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.
Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
