Laurent Amoudry

I am a principal scientist at the National Oceanography Centre. I lead the Coastal Ocean Processes team and I am Associate Head for Marine Physics and Ocean Climate. I am a coastal scientist working at the intersection between physical oceanography, physical geography, and coastal engineering. I have broad interests in coastal, estuarine and shelf seas dynamics, in particular in relation to sediment transport, turbulence and mixing, coastal hazards, and land-ocean transfer processes. My work primarily involves observational and modelling process studies. The overall scientific challenge is to understand how the balance of operative processes control the behaviour and evolution of coastal seas and estuaries. One outcome is to improve integrated predictive systems for coastal and shelf seas under climate and anthropogenic changes.

Themes: 
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Amani Becker

I’m a coastal scientist with expertise in microphytobenthos and sediment biogeochemistry. My research interests are centred on coastal processes and resilience, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, capacity building and achieving impact from research. I am currently involved in projects in the UK, the Southwest Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.

https://noc.ac.uk/n/Amani+Becker 

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, The Sea and Society, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre 

Colin Bell

I am the software and technical manager for the products team at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool.  I have been a professional software designer and developer for nearly 30 years specialising in marine software for tidal level / current prediction and harmonic analysis - working with both coastal data (from tide gauges) and offshore data (from numerical model simulations).  I've been involved with a number of ports/harbours and offshore operators, and worked on specific projects for renewable energy, flood defence and particle tracking.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime, The Sea and Society
Afilliation: National Oceanography Centre

Eddie Blanco-Davis

I am an LJMU Senior Lecturer and LOOM member since July 2015. I obtained a BSc on Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management from the US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, in 2004, and sailed briefly on containerships. I also hold an MSc and a PhD from the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering from the University of Strathclyde.

My research interests include human factors applied to shipboard operations; life cycle assessment applied to marine operations and machinery; marine environmental protection and regulation, including emission control, ship ballast water management and alternatives; and environmentally sound marine propulsion systems.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Ana Bras

I am Ana Bras, CEng, FICE, PhD and Reader (Associate Professor) in Bio-materials for Infrastructure at the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), with 19 years of experience on development of construction materials and systems aligned with UK net-zero strategy for infrastructure. I established a research group to develop and implement innovative self-healing bio-based materials, making infrastructures more resilient and durable to water environments, through the re-use of locally available soil and wastes. The aim is to promote recovery and adaptation to environment change, limiting resource depletion. I generated over £1.8 million of direct contribution to LJMU as PI/Co-I (MSCAs Horizon Europe, H2020, Royal Society, ICE, RAEng, British Council, etc). 

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-engineering-and-technology/school-of-civil-engineering-and-built-environment/ana-armada-bras

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Ports and Maritime, The Living Ocean

Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Lucy Bricheno

My focus is around coastal hazards, and the impact of the climate crisis. I study the influence of changing climate at the coast, affecting flood, erosion, and impacting infrastructure. My expertise in on the use and evaluation of several different numerical ocean models. I have a particular interest in surface waves and storms, and study their effects on the seabed, and Interactions with the atmosphere and ocean. Recently, I have worked on land-sea interactions, and coastal freshwater resources. I am interested in science into policy, to get the most practical and direct use of our latest findings. Always looking to collaborate, and find connections with those with common interests.

https://staff.noc.ac.uk/people/luic 

Themes: Coastal Resilience
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Jenny Brown

I have a keen interest in coastal flood and erosion hazard modelling and monitoring to support decisions surrounding coastal management. My expertise are in wave, surge and tidal modelling at the regional scale; storm impact modelling at the local scale; and technology development to validate model capability

Recent projects are investigating novel systems to monitor wave overtopping and nowcast hazard information, see https://youtu.be/a5Y33SWdNU4 and https://twitter.com/wirewall_noc

Themes: Coastal Resilience, The Sea and Society
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Jill Burgess

I’m a Liverpool girl born and bred and even stayed in our wonderful city to study Geography at the University of Liverpool.  I’ve been at the National Oceanography Centre since 2004 working within the Marine Information Products and Services Team which is the commercial arm of the NOC. My aim within LISCO is to develop new collaborations, business partnerships and new opportunities with those interested in coastal processes, tidal predictions, and coastal management. Additionally I am particularly interested in continuing to develop good public engagement activities in order to raise public awareness of the research within LISCO.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime, The Living Ocean, Sea and Society
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Iacopo Carnacina

Dr Carnacina is a Reader in Water and Environmental Engineering for the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment. In 2010 he obtained his PhD in Civil Engineering from the doctorate school of the University of Pisa “Leonardo da Vinci” Italy, with a thesis on the effect of debris accumulation on bridge pier scour. Since 2007, he has also been a member of the professional body of Civil Engineers of the province of La Spezia, Italy. He is interested in local erosion in correspondence with hydraulic structures such as bridges, river training structures and dams, large-scale numerical flood models and flood protection for riverine and coastal environment. His research focuses on the sustainability of hydraulic infrastructures, ranging from micro-hydropower development in rural regions', use of sustainable resources to optimize efficiency and minimize the environmental impact, and low carbon coastal protections, to nature-based solution for climate adaptation and large scale coastal hydrodynamic models.

Themes: Coastal Resilience
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University 

Kasey Clark

I am a lecturer in Environmental Change. I have broad research interests in physical geography, river biogeochemistry and land-ocean interactions. My work primarily involves tropical field-based research. I am interested in the role of terrestrial influences in coastal biogeochemistry and environmental degradation. In Panama I am 1) determining freshwater inputs and nutrient fluxes, which will be used as forcing variables in a physical hypoxia model for a Caribbean bay, 2) assessing mangrove dieback in the Bay of Panama due to a severe El Niño event in 2015/16, and 3) working in a team of scientists and stakeholders with the aim of declaring Matusagaratí a Ramsar wetland.

I am currently advertising an ACCE DTP project, applications due January 2023, on understanding the Influence of land-based nutrient pollution on coastal ecosystems in a Caribbean Bay. https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/understanding-the-influence-of-land-based-nutrient-pollution-on-coastal-ecosystems-in-a-caribbean-bay/?p148549 

Themes: Coastal Resilience, The Sea and Society, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Andy Davies

I am a historical and political geographer based in the Department of Geography and Planning. My research has focussed on politics in and around the Indian Ocean region, particularly in historical work which has examined how ships were important ways of spreading anticolonial information during the colonial era. I am a Co-Director of the Centre for Port and Maritime History, a collaboration between The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Merseyside Maritime Museum (https://centreforportandmaritimehistory.wordpress.com/).

Theme: The Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Michela De Dominicis

I am a physical oceanographer in the Marine Systems Modelling Group at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool. My research studies how the ocean interacts with any external factors, mostly human intervention. I use high-resolution ocean models to understand the changes that might take place in shelf seas and coastal zones in the next few decades. This includes “what-if” scenarios to investigate the impact of large arrays of offshore renewable energy devices, but also the response of coastal areas to extreme storms, sea level rise and different coastal protection measures.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Simone Durr

I am a benthic community ecologist and work applied in biofouling and antifouling. My interests are in the multidisciplinary development of non-toxic antifouling solutions, biofouling quantification methods, ballast water, invasive species, larval behaviour and species interactions in a changing environment due to the climate change.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime, The Living Ocean
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Chloé Duteil

I am a PhD student in the Department of History at the University of Liverpool. My research interests are located at the intersection of coastal, environmental, and cultural history and my current work focuses on human interactions with the hybrid environments where sea and land meet. My doctoral thesis examines the ways in which seaweeds featured in the daily lives and identities of coastal dwellers in Brittany and Wales in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Themes: The Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Kennedy Edeye Osuka

With a background in fisheries management and marine conservation, my expertise spans various facets of environmental management. I have spearheaded fish conservation and research initiatives, harmonising data collection methods across Western Indian Ocean nations. My contributions have informed fisheries policies in East African countries, showcasing a commitment to both research and policy development. My interests lie in human-ocean interactions, emphasising fisheries management, conservation efforts, and species protection. Exploring marine ecosystems, from shallow to deep reefs and pelagic environments, fascinates me, especially understanding the dynamic roles of piscivores and herbivores in ecosystem resilience. Additionally, I engage in influencing national and regional legislation, conducting research to overcome policy barriers.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, The Bio-Economy, The Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool 

Laura Edwards

Laura is a remote sensing specialist who focuses on the study of the cryosphere and oceans. She has a BSc and MSc in Oceanography and Ocean Remote Sensing (University of Southampton) and a PhD in Antarctic Glaciology (University of Bristol). Her ocean-based research includes satellite altimetry of internal oceanic Kelvin waves and links with atmospheric phenomena; ocean acidification studies under sea ice in the Canadian Arctic; and study of the North Water Polynya and impacts on land-ice mass balance. Projects in development include studies on coastal erosion and impacts on historical sites. She has taken part in fieldwork in Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian high Arctic and the Bolivian Andes.

Themes: 
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Alexandre Gagnon

I am a Senior Lecturer in Geography at Liverpool John Moores University. My research interests range from understanding the temporal and spatial patterns of climate variability to vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. I am currently working on projects assessing the vulnerability of the built environment, including cultural heritage, to climate change, notably in Madagascar, Asia and Scotland. My work examines the changing exposure to climatic and coastal hazards under climate change and the capacity of communities to respond and adapt to them, notably through the co-development of adaptation strategies through participatory approaches.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Jonathan Green

My research focusses on seabirds, which must adapt to two contrasting environments: the challenges of foraging at sea are very different to those that they face while breeding on land. Furthermore, both of these environments and their associated challenges change naturally on a seasonal and annual basis and are under anthropogenic threats from over-fishing, climate-change, and in particular right now, renewable energy developments. Indeed, seabirds are the world’s most threatened group of birds and I currently collaborate with a number of organisations such as JNCC, BTO, CEH and Marine Scotland to try to better understand and hopefully solve these problems.

Research Group Website: www.segul.org.uk 

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate 
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Bin Guo

I am a research scientist in the Marine Systems Modelling Group at NOC. My previous research primarily involved coastal ocean modelling, hydro-environmental research, and tidal energy development, with a particular emphasis on tidal range energy schemes. My current research focuses on investigating the risks and impacts of climate change and direct anthropogenic drivers on coastal ocean physics and the implications for biogeochemistry and ecosystems.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Jason Holt

I am head of the Marine Systems Modelling Group at the NOC, which makes a substantial contribution to the international effort on ocean modelling. My experience and expertise is in physical oceanography and coupled hydrodynamic-ecosystem processes, and particular areas of interest include the impact of climate change on coasts, shelf-seas and ocean margins, and its relation to human pressures. I have acted as PI or group lead on many NERC and EC projects. I lead the National Capability International Science programme: Future states Of the global Coastal ocean: Understanding for Solution (FOCUS;  https://noc.ac.uk/projects/focus), and the modelling component of  Climate Linked Atlantic Sector Science (CLASS;  https://projects.noc.ac.uk/class-project/). I co-chair the National Partnership for Ocean Prediction (oceanprediction.org).

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Jo Hopkins

I am a sea-going physical oceanographer that uses ship-based observations, moored and autonomous platforms and remote sensing to better understand how ocean physics helps shape and sustain productivity within the ocean. I work in both temperate and Arctic environments, with a particular focus on the shallow shelf seas and their connection to the deeper, open ocean.

Themes: 
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Chris Hughes

I am Professor of Sea Level Science at the University of Liverpool, and an Adjoint Fellow of the National Oceanography Centre. I study how ocean dynamics (the changing currents in the ocean) interact with sea level and ocean bottom pressure. This ranges from work to understand how coastal sea level will change as the ocean adjusts to changing climate or shorter term weather, to using observations of pressure on the seafloor to measure changing heat transport by the ocean, to using measurements of sea level and gravity from satellites and tide gauges to understand how the ocean circulation works, and how sea level has changed in the past. Much of my work is concerned with the global circulation, but particular regional interests include the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the Caribbean Sea and the Tasman Sea, and the ocean's boundaries, in the form of the global continental slope.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

John Huthnance

I am an Emeritus Fellow of the National Oceanography Centre with interests in the dynamics of shelf and slope seas, ocean/shelf-sea dynamical interactions and exchanges.  Current roles include co-Executive Editor of the EGU open-access journal “Ocean Science” and membership of Defra Evidence Groups on “Healthy and BioDiverse Seas” (HBDSEG) and “Ocean Processes” (OPEG).  Work related to the latter has included lead authorship of marine physics aspects of “Charting Progress 2; the State of UK Seas” (2010) and “North Sea Climate Change Assessment” (2016). 

Themes: Oceans and Climate, Sea and Society
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Çağatay Iris

Çağatay Iris is a Lecturer (equivalent, Assistant Professor) in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Liverpool Management School. Çağatay has research interests in transport and logistics (including freight transport, next-generation ports, shipping, hinterlands, urban logistics, crowdshipping), shared economy and energy management. Recently, he has projects related to energy efficiency in seaports, port microgrids, economic investment analysis in maritime energy projects and fuels. He mostly uses mathematical modelling and data analytics methods to help decision marking in logistics investments, improve the performance of logistics systems, and reach net-zero targets. 

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime, The Living Ocean, Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool Management School

 

Stephen Jay

I specialise in marine spatial planning (MSP), and am interested in its international implementation. I have led European-funded projects on transboundary aspects of MSP and am a co-founder of the MSP Research Network. I am interested in interchange between planning theory and MSP practice, particularly perspectives that accommodate the dynamic character of the sea and human interaction with it. I also specialise in seascape character assessment. I am a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Themes: Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Svetlana Jevrejeva

Svetlana is an internationally acknowledged sea level expert, a Lead Author of Chapter 13 (Sea Level Change), Working group 1, Fifth Assessment report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (AR5 IPCC), 2010-2013.  Svetlana specialises in the synthesis of observations and models to develop our understanding of physical mechanisms for global and regional sea level rise and variability, their impact in coastal areas, changes in tropical cyclones in warming climate and extreme sea levels. Dr Jevrejeva engages with stakeholders, policy makers and the international scientific community to translate advances in sea level science into impact and bring societal benefit. She spent two years (sabbatical) in Singapore, leading the National Sea Level Programme of Singapore and providing scientific advice to the Singapore government about adaptation to sea level rise.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, Sea and Society
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

David Jones

I am the Head of Mechanical Engineering at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Liverpool, where I have worked since 1990. My role is to design and oversee the manufacture of bespoke equipment used in all NOC projects. I design build, and deploy equipment for tide gauge systems in the UK and overseas, deep ocean landers, instrument platforms, instrument deployment and recovery systems. I also manage the mechanical workshop; which is equipped with CNC machinery enabling us to produce precision parts and prototypes. We also have an area for the assembly and testing of equipment prior to deployment.  

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime, The Living Ocean, Sea and Society
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Hannah Jones

I am a PhD researcher at the Liverpool Institute for Sustainable Coasts and Oceans (LISCO). My work primarily focuses on the ‘Sea and society’ research theme in particular how understanding and enhancing human relationships with the sea is crucial in order to achieve sustainable coasts and oceans. My PhD Is entitled "Well-being at the coast: maximising the socio-cultural benefits of England’s seascapes" and will examine the incorporation of the Natural Capital approach into the Seascape Character Assessment process with a view to enhance benefit to well-being. Prior to starting my PhD I have worked on numerous European funded projects including the SIMAtlantic project, leading a work package on Land-Sea Interactions and Celtic Seas Partnership project where I was involved in the development of Natures Services and the Sea: A resource pack for marine and coastal stakeholders. I have also worked as part of the European MSP Platform, the 'MSP Assistance Mechanism' implemented by EASME on behalf of DG MARE. In addition to my work for the EU MSP Platform, the Erasmus + Strategic Partnership for Marine Spatial Planning, and the Horizon 2020 project AQUACROSS which aims to support EU efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity and ensure the provision of aquatic ecosystem services. I am also an active member of the Irish Sea Maritime Forum and have been a Steering Committee member for the past 5 years. 

Themes: Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Jason Kirby

I am a Professor of Physical Geography in the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. My main coastal research expertise is in reconstructing sea-level changes from salt-marsh sediment records (also known as ‘geological tide gauges’). I have also worked on the short-medium term dynamics (months-years) of inter-tidal mudflats in estuary systems. Recent projects have explored the environmental factors influencing microbial degradation of TBT in muddy port sediment as a potential bioremediation technique. 

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Kostas Kiriakoulakis

I am a Reader in Marine Sciences and the Subject Leader of Geography and Environmental Sciences in Liverpool John Moores University. I am a biogeochemist with expertise in investigations of organic matter sources, quality and fate in the ocean and aquatic systems. Recently I started work on microplastics in these settings. The aims of my work are to understand the functioning of vulnerable marine ecosystems (e.g. cold water corals) in terms of energy supply and carbon cycling, assess anthropogenic impacts in oceans and coasts and constrain Carbon sequestration in marine and coastal environments (blue carbon). 

Themes: Oceans and Climate, Sea and Society
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores 

Christos Kontovas

Reader in Sustainable Maritime Transportation and Logistics at the School of Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Christos holds a Diploma (2005) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Ph.D. (2011) in the area of maritime safety and environmental protection.  His research focuses on quantitative methods, including cost-benefit, decision and risk analysis, related to health, safety and environmental protection (incl. ship air emissions, prevention of oil pollutions and collisions between vessels and marine animals). Christos holds an extensive experience from participation in several large-scale EU projects, as well from being a member of delegations to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Themes: Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Nicoletta Leonardi

Professor of Coastal Dynamics. I am a civil engineer specializing in coastal studies and computer modelling and an EPSRC Fellow with the project ''ENARM: Engineering with Nature: combining Artificial intelligence, Remote sensing and computer Models for the optimum design of coastal protection schemes' (2021-2026I have an international reputation for the study of coastline evolution, hydrodynamics and coastal management strategies with focus on engineering with nature. My expertise spans the use of different types of computer models and models coupling for the investigation of hydrodynamics and geomorphology (e.g. ROMS, Delft3d, stochastic models and AI models) and field data collections (e.g. acoustic measurements for hydrodynamics, sediment transport and geomorphological measurements). 

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Ming Li

I have extensive experiences of numerical and physical modelling of coastal sediment transport and morphodynamics processes. Research activities include investigation of fundamental turbulence effects on sediment transport using multiphase CFD models, study of coastal boundary processes, and developing numerical models for prediction large-scale morphodynamic changes around coastal structures and river delta. I have also been actively involved in numerical modelling of marine renewable energy research, including tidal barrage across estuary, tidal stream and offshore wind turbine foundation in the seas. Recent works extend into vegetation effects on sediment transport in coastal seas and river estuaries using computer models.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resillience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Charlotte Lyddon

I am a coastal scientist based in the Department of Geography and Planning with an interest in developing a better understanding of the drivers of coastal and estuarine flooding to support the development of accurate management, adaptation, or resilience strategies. My expertise are in tide, surge, and river modelling at a regional scale using process-based numerical models; flood impact modelling; and analysing observation data and future projections of river and sea-levels to understand how the drivers of estuarine flooding may vary with climate change.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Neil Macdonald

Neil is Professor of Geography, his work explores how communities and societies have historically and continue to respond to extreme events (e.g. floods, storms and droughts), understanding how the have responded and adapted. He is interdisciplinary, using a range of approaches to undertake such work, including sedimentary, archival, oral and textual sources, spanning timescales (centuries to days). He has worked across the UK and Europe, Asia and Africa, with a wide range of partners.  

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Claire Mahaffey

I study the interaction between biology and chemistry in the ocean, termed marine biogeochemistry. I study how microscopic plants called phytoplankton survive in different ocean environments, specifically how they acquire nutrients, fix carbon dioxide and produce oxygen and how phytoplankton growth affects the marine ecosystem and carbon cycling. As an observational oceanographer, I study plankton during research cruises on ships. I work in a variety of ocean environments, from shallow coastal seas, to the subtropical Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Arctic Ocean.

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Stefano Mariani

I am Professor of Marine Biodiversity at LJMU and my research explores biodiversity at population and community levels, primarily through the lens of DNA variation. My investigations have explored fish stock structure and gene flow, DNA metabarcoding of water, sediment and gut contents, and seafood traceability and illegal trade in marine wildlife. My efforts are aimed to improve our ability to manage and sustain marine resources for many generations to come. For nearly two decades, I have been involved in project with a strong stakeholder involvement at both national and international levels, which generated impact on policy and offered solutions to challenges in fisheries management and environmental monitoring. Some recent examples include: SeaDNA, SEATRACES, Sharks & Rays IWT, Labelfish, e(lasmo)DNA, StockDNA. 

More details can be found here: www.marianilab.org<http://www.marianilab.org>.

Themes: The Living Ocean
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Fabienne Marret-Davies

I am a micropalaeontologist working with phytoplankton microfossils (dinoflagellate cysts) as tracers of oceanic conditions for the Quaternary period, in particular sea-surface conditions that can be used to create and/or calibrate climatic models. I am particularly interested in past warm periods to understand mechanisms and processes that could be applied for future climate change, as well as looking at potential biological hazards such as harmful algal blooms. Dinoflagellates can produce lethal toxins that affect marine ecosystems, in particular fisheries, and some species can be preserved as seed banks in sediments; such phenomena are therefore critical to be studied for resource management.

Themes: The Living Ocean, Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Christian Matthews

As Director of the School of Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University I lead an academic team with a broad range of interests in the Maritime and Marine sectors. My role means that I am involved in projects ranging from renewable offshore energy sources, through cleaner energy efficient ships, to the management of ports and maritime infrastructure. I am an active participant with the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) and am a current member of their working group on research projects.  

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Monica McCard

I am an aquatic ecologist and Environmental Science lecturer at Liverpool John Moore University (LJMU). My primary research centres on the consequences of non-native species, emphasising recent work on environmental stressors. I have led projects exploring the impacts of non-native species and predator-prey dynamics in both freshwater and marine environments. Collaborating with Natural Resource Wales, I currently work on the impacts of invasive Chinese mitten crabs and management in the river Dee. Another key focus is my research on the feeding impacts of invasive lionfish, identified as highly destructive invaders in southern European waters. Currently, I am conducting a project in Honduras, Central America, analysing lionfish stomach contents to assess their potential as pollution indicators.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, The Bio-Economy, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Sarah Peverley

I am a cultural historian and Professor of English Literature at the University of Liverpool. One of my current research projects focuses on the global use of mermaids in literature, art and culture across time, from their first appearance in ancient Mesopotamia to the present day. I look at the various ways in which humans have responded to merfolk and their watery element to navigate topics such as religion, gender, war, identity (personal, communal, and geographical), and the environment. As a BBC New Generation Thinker and Broadcaster, my expertise on mermaids as enduring cultural icons has contributed to a range of programmes and debates on radio and television and in other media (print and online). Part of my project involves mapping mermaid iconography in the British Isles and Ireland to better understand the historic importance of the maritime environment and its imagery in the medieval and early modern period. I am a member of the Liverpool Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Vice-President of the Medieval Chronicle Society, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. 

For links to my media work see https://sarahpeverley.com/media/ 

Themes: Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Anthony Payne

My research focuses on understanding the past and contemporary behaviour of ice sheets and predicting their future change. I develop and apply numerical models of ice sheet mass budget and dynamics working with satellite observations. The primary application of my work is to understand and predict sea level rise. More recently, I have worked on coupling ice sheet models to regional ocean models and within Earth System models. I co-chair the international project ISMIP6 which contributed sea-level rise projections to the IPCC; and was a Lead Author on the Sea Level chapter of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report and the Impacts chapter of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C.

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Afilliation: University of Liverpool

Marta Payo Payo

I am a research scientist working at coast, at the interface between land, ocean and people.
My research focuses on coastal hazards and on transport processes, and I use numerical models to understand hydrodynamics and transport processes in coastal environments under anthropogenic impacts including climate change. Lately I'm more interested on how natural habitats can help make our coastal systems more resilient to climate change and human activities. I enjoy science communication and together with other scientists have established collaborations with artists and social scientists trying to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and general knowledge.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resillience, Oceans and Climate, The Sea and Society
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre 

Jeff Polton

I am the Shelf Seas Team leader in the Marine Systems Modelling Group at the NOC. We have a long history in developing regional hydrodynamic models of shelf seas, and in particular the European shelf seas which are strong controlled by tidal processes. I am also the Coastal Ocean theme lead for the Joint Marine Modelling Programme (a partnership between the Met Office and UK research centres). In this role I coordinate European shelf sea model development of operational services and as a research tool for the UK ocean community. This also compliments my role as co-leader of the NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean) community engagement working group. In addition to these responsibilities my research interests include:  wave processes and turbulence (Turbulence modelling, observation and parameterisation development to improve simulation of the ocean); and the Shelf Sea response to changing seas (impact of changing climate on shelf seas). I also enjoy developing software tools to aid science discovery and communication: e.g. anyTide (2013-2021), a mobile app for tide predictions, and COAsT, a python toolkit for assessing an diagnosing ocean simulations.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Emma Roberts

I am Reader in History of Art and Design at Liverpool John Moores University. I gained a Ph.D. in History of Art in 1997 from the University of Liverpool, and have worked at Liverpool John Moores University since 1996. My research interests focus largely around the interior design of ocean liners (in particular, inter-war Cunard vessels), and how art and design reflects the theme of the sea. Indeed, I am editor of Art and the Sea (2022, Liverpool University Press) and am a member of the Centre for Port and Maritime History, which is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Merseyside Maritime Museum.  In my spare time I work as an Enrichment Lecturer speaking on board cultural cruise ships and presenting on the history of art and design. This involves working with companies such as Cunard, Viking, Celebrity, Azamara and the residential ship, The World. I am fascinated by how ships can provide passengers with a liminal experience, and how this may be enhanced by the seductive effects of art and design. 

Themes: The Sea and Society
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Leonie Robinson

Dr Leonie Robinson is a Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool. Leonie’s research background is in community ecology of marine ecosystems. Her work focuses on the application of ecological theory in underpinning management of marine resources (particularly: ecosystem-based approach (EBA); integrated ecosystem assessment, cumulative effects assessment and ecological risk assessment). Leonie has developed many assessment frameworks and methodologies for linking human use of the seas with the effects on ecosystem components and ecosystem services, through pressures that affect the system and the management strategies and options that can be targeted at these. She has worked with OSPAR, ICES, national government and the EC in development of these approaches. Leonie recently led the pan-European EU FP7 project ODEMM: which developed tools and understanding to help operationalise ecosystem-based management across European regional seas. She was Liverpool PI on the H2020 Project Aquacross, and also works with the European Environment Agency to develop policy-relevant ecosystem assessments based around the relationship of ecosystem state with supply of ecosystem services and natural capital. She works closely with colleagues in the Planning discipline at UoL, on projects that span the interface between EBA and Marine Spatial Planning. She has co-authored a book on EBA and Marine Planning with Sue Kidd and been Co-I on a number of projects in this area. 

In addition I will be presenting this September at the ICES Annual Science Conference in Theme Session D (Assessing ecosystem vulnerability to multiple drivers and pressures). My talk title is: ‘Stripping down the nature of human threat in marine ecosystems’

Themes: 
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Julia Rulent

I am a coastal ocean modelling scientist at NOC. My interest is in coastal hazards and extreme events. I use coupled high resolution numerical models to simulate coastal interaction processes and better understand the impact of storms in a changing climate. I have been studying the impact of wave-tide-surge interactions on extreme coastal water level formation, and I am currently working on a project dealing with the impact of nearshore infrastructures over the seabed and ocean dynamics. I am keen to get involved with science policy and practical application of research. 

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Mehdi Seddighi

Mehdi Seddighi is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Fluid Mechanics at Liverpool John Moores University. He is a BSc in Aerospace Engineering, MSc in Aerospace Engineering (Aerodynamics), and holds a PhD degree in Fluid Mechanics from University of Aberdeen. His research interests include unsteady turbulent flow, control of turbulent flow, hydrodynamics, and marine renewable energy, using numerical and experimental techniques. The numerical approach includes, a high-fidelity in-house DNS (direct numerical simulation) and LES (large eddy simulation) code, CHAPSim, which is developed initially by him and then further developed by other researchers under his supervision over the past decade.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation:  Liverpool John Moores University

Jonathan Sharples

I study how the physics of the ocean (tides, currents, turbulence, and stratification) affect the growth and distribution of microscopic plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton) in the ocean. I work in shelf seas linking physics and plankton to fisheries, and assessing the health of shelf ecosystems using dissolved oxygen as an indicator. I also work in the open Atlantic Ocean, investigating how localised tide-driven mixing over the mid-Atlantic ridge can alter the species of plankton, which has important implications for how plankton can export carbon from the surface ocean to the deep.

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Dmitry Shchukin

I am Professor in Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, Director of Ultra Mixing and Processing group at the Chemistry Department, University of Liverpool. My research activities include the study of the non-equilibrated interfaces; development of composite hollow nanocontainers  with controlled shell permeability for encapsulation of the energy-enriched materials, biocides, phase change materials, drugs, corrosion inhibitors; development of nanocontainer-based feedback active surfaces for further application in active self-healing materials, antifouling coatings and medicine; synthesis of nanomaterials with new properties in the ultrasonic cavitation zone, synthesis of amorphous nanocomposites with enhanced catalytic performance in non-equilibrated conditions at the cavitation interface; ultrasonic surface modification of metals for catalytic and biomedical (implants) applications.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Sam Solnick

My research focuses on questions of environment and ecology in literature, film, theatre, and visual art. Current projects and interests relevant to LISCO include include: the aesthetics of climate change; ‘energy humanities’ (particularly ‘petro-culture’); the history of sugar and the Liverpool Docks; cultural representations of apocalypse, pollution and environmental disaster; literature and/about the sea. I have an extensive outreach and impact track record working with schools, the NHS and various Merseyside arts institutions and I have published widely about literature, science and environment for both academic and public-facing outlets including The Independent, Art Agenda, The Times Literary Supplement, RA Magazine, Newsweek and the BBC. 

Themes: Oceans and Climate, Ports and Maritime, Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Dongping Song

My research focuses on applying data analytics, mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence, and simulation-based tools to various supply chain, logistics and transportation systems, particularly in the area of maritime transport and decarbonisation. Recent research projects include: "UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (2023-2027)" funded by EPSRC; "Combined passenger and goods transportation in suburb traffic (2023-2026)" funded by ESRC; "Data-enabled decarbonisation at seaports (2024)" funded by combined EPSRC and ESRC Impact Acceleration Account at UoL; "Digitalisation for operational efficiency and GHG emission reduction at container ports (2022-2023)" funded by EPSRC.

Themes: Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Alessandro Tagliabue

I am an ocean biogeochemist, interested in how the cycling of resources in the sea affects biological activity and vice-versa. I am particularly interested in trace micronutrients and how they interact together to shape primary production, ecosystem structure and the global carbon cycle.   My science relies on numerical models, at both global and idealised scales, fieldwork and synthesis of datasets. I am heavily involved in the international GEOTRACES programme, am a lead author on the IPCC Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate and am a member of the governing council of the UK Challenger Society for Marine Science

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Jack Thomson

I am a marine biologist whose research largely focuses on animal behaviour and its relationship with physiology, particularly under stress. Intertidal organisms are frequently exposed to a wide range of stressors as the environment changes dramatically each day. This influences how the community on a shore is structured, but also gives us an indication of how resilient organisms are to environmental perturbations over various timescales, and how they adapt to these challenges. As such they may provide valuable insight into how populations and communities adapt to climate change. However, I also have a keen interest in the relationships organisms have with the world around them and with each other, including how they may be impacted by human activity particularly the varied pollutants common among coastal environments.

Themes: Oceans and Climate, The Living Ocean
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Peter Thorne

Main area of expertise is in coastal and estuarine physical processes, with a focus on nearbed sediment transport dynamics using developmental acoustic instrumentation. Recent studies have been on acoustic measurements of intra-wave vortex entrainment of sediments, convective-diffusive modelling of suspended sediments, diffusivity studies over rippled beds, a review of sediment process modelling and studies on bedform dynamics on mixed, sand-mud-biological, sediments.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Sarah Wakelin

I work in the Marine Systems Modelling Group at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool, using coupled hydrodynamic-ecosystem models to study physics and ecosystem processes from the coast though shelf seas to the wider ocean. I am interested in the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic issues (eg discharge from rivers and offshore wind energy provision) on ocean dynamics and the marine ecosystem. I also study fluxes and budgets of carbon and nutrients, from river sources to shelf-ocean exchange. Current projects include LOCATE, CLASS and ECOWINGS.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Jin Wang

Prof. Jin Wang’s research interests are in design and operation of large maritime engineering systems. He has published extensively in this area, making him among top 100 in Civil Engineering globally. He has led three EU funded projects as coordinator, and as PI seven EPSRC funded projects. He has won several awards for his research work including the 2017 RINA - Lloyd’s Register Maritime Safety Award for Lifetime Achievement. He has completed the supervision of over 80 doctoral or postdoctoral researchers. Prof. Wang was a sub-panel member (Unit of Assessment 12) in the UK’s REF 2014 and 2021. He is also Chair of the UK-Malaysia University Consortium (UK-MUC).

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Ric Williams

I study how the physics of the ocean affects the climate system. I am examining how carbon emissions drive surface warming, focussing on the crucial role of the ocean in taking up excess heat and carbon from the atmosphere. I am investigating how this ocean uptake of heat and carbon varies over the global ocean and why the uptake of heat is so much greater overt the Southern Ocean. I apply theory to interpret the response of both simple and complex climate models, as well as examine the signals in ocean data. I am also interested in the indirect role of the ocean in altering the climate system, by the surface ocean modifying physical feedbacks operating in the climate system. I am leading a NERC large grant examining how the Gulf Stream affects the North Atlantic carbon sink through its redistribution of nutrients and carbon.

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Joanne Williams

As part of the Sea Level group at NOC, I’ve lately been working on global tide and surge reanalysis, seeking to improve the understanding of coastal flood-risk. I've been studying the details of tidal analysis, for example quantifying how periodic weather can affect predictions of tides, and how this could influence storm surge forecasts. I'm also looking at methods to automate processing of data, to improve coverage around the world. Previously, I've studied other aspects of sea-level measurement, such as using pressure recorders at the ocean bottom to monitor global ocean mass variations.  See also https://noc.ac.uk/n/Joanne+Williams

Themes: Coastal Resilience
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Judith Wolf

I am a retired physical oceanographer. Previously I worked in the Marine Systems Modelling Group at the National Oceanography Centre in Liverpool. My research interests included the modelling of tides, surges, waves and their interactions in continental shelf waters and coastal seas, wave climate, marine renewable energy and the coastal impacts of climate change. I have been involved in the use of coupled models to investigate estuarine processes, atmosphere-wave-hydrodynamic interactions and tidal energy, focussing on resource assessment and environmental impacts. My geographical areas of interest have included the NW European continental shelf, Bangladesh, South China and Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Philip Woodworth

Philip Woodworth is a NOC Emeritus Fellow and a Visiting Professor at Liverpool University with interests in sea-level changes on timescales from hours to centuries. He has published many papers on these topics, especially using tide-gauge data. He was Director of the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level and Chairman of the Global Sea Level Observing System, and Lead or Contributing Author or Review Editor for the IPCC Research Assessments. He was an IPCC 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. He was awarded the IMAREST Denny Medal, the Vening Meinesz Medal of the EGU, and an MBE for services to science.

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: National Oceanography Centre

Antal Wozniak

Antal Wozniak is a Lecturer in Communication and Media at the University of Liverpool and Programme Director of the MA Media and Politics. His research focuses on political and environmental communication with a particular emphasis on media representations (textual, visual, and multimodal) of climate change and climate politics. He has published in journals including The International Journal of Press/Politics, Environmental Communication, Interest Groups & Advocacy, the International Journal of Communication, and Journalism Studies. Antal has a PhD in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Mannheim, Germany, where he also worked as a Research Associate in a project on transnational mediated communication about the UN Climate Change Conferences (funded by the German Research Council). From 2016-19, he worked as a post-doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, on a project on interest group politics (funded by the Economic and Social Research Council). Prior to academia, Antal has worked as a music journalist, press office assistant, and as a research assistant for a social-democratic member of the German Bundestag.

Themes: Oceans and Climate
Affiliation: University of Liverpool

Zaili Yang

Professor of Maritime Transport at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK. Prior to my current appointment, I was Reader in Maritime Transport (2010-2014) and a lecturer in Maritime Operations (2007-2010) at the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations, LJMU. I received my BEng in Maritime Transportation from Dalian Maritime University, China, in 2001, MSc in International Transport from Cardiff University, UK, in 2003, and PhD in Maritime Safety from LJMU, UK, in 2006. My research interests are analysis and modelling of safety, resilience and sustainability of transport networks, particularly maritime and logistics systems.

Themes: Coastal Resilience, Ports and Maritime
Affiliation: Liverpool John Moores University

Iain Young

Iain promotes cross-disciplinary approaches addressing sustainability and food security challenges while delivering impactful R&D with industry partners. His projects address issues such as improving the sustainability of nutrition for aquaculture and agriculture, novel sensor development for water quality, smart approaches for control and monitoring and food chain optimisation.

Research and Knowledge Exchange highlights: Black Soldier Fly larvae as a Bioconverter of food waste into fish feed, development of novel water treatment systems, detection methods for flavour tainting compounds and pathogens in water, the use of fish waste in renewable energy production, hydrogen powered aquaponics systems and outreach projects engaging local schools in urban farming.

Themes: Blue Green Energy, Coastal Resilience, Oceans and Climate, The Sea and Society
Affiliation: University of Liverpool