Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at UC San Diego is set to honor Richard Dawkins by awarding him the Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest next week. The British scientist will receive the ninth annual Nierenberg Prize on Tuesday, April 7. He will give a public lecture and sign books following the awards ceremony. “He’s an interesting read and he’s a very interesting fellow,” said Ruth Varonfakis, spokeswoman for the event. Dawkins is an ethologist, evolutionary biologist and science author of such titles as “The God Delusion” (2006) and “The Selfish Gene” (1999). He has extensively studied Darwin’s theory of human evolution and natural selection, appearing at numerous college campuses and on National Geographic Television and the BBC. Dawkins is also known for his creationist and religious views, including an argument he poses about how science proves that God does not exist. The event will be held at the Mandell Weiss Theatre on the UCSD campus at 7 p.m. Following an award ceremony in which Dawkins will receive $25,000 and a bronze medal, the British scientist will give a lecture entitled “Purpose of Purpose.” In this lecture, Dawkins will address the meaning of purpose, which he divides into two types: archi-purpose (the ancient illusion of purpose) and neo-purpose (true, deliberate and intentional purpose). Dawkins will try to change the way purpose is thought about so that it can be something beneficial. Dawkins is the ninth recipient of the Nierenberg Prize, which was first awarded in 2000 following the death of former SIO director William A. Nierenberg. The award is given to a person who makes outstanding contributions to science in the public interest. “Before (Nierenberg) passed away in 2000, he talked to his family about creating an award to honor people like him — that changed the world for the better,” Varonfakis said. The award is a gift from the Nierenberg family. Notable recipients include famous scientist Dame Jane Goodall (2004) and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite (2002). “It’s a prize that’s offered by a fellow San Diego family,” Varonfakis said. “It’s very, very exciting that the prize is becoming more well known and highly coveted.” In order to win the award, a scientist must be well known to the public in a field of science or for in-depth public interpretation of science, and be a good candidate to generate publicity for SIO. In a several-month process, the prizewinner is selected by a committee of qualified scientists. Public admission to the event is free, and those attending are encouraged to arrive early because seating and parking are limited. Call Scripps Visitors Services, (858) 534-4109, for more information. — Correction appended—