Our Membership
The Marine Biological Association is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our ocean and the life it supports.
As a Member you join a dynamic global community of marine biologists from over 40 countries.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or passionate about our ocean, we have a membership category for you.
Support ocean science and join today.
Student Travel Bursaries
Are you a student or postgraduate Member who may be facing financial barriers to attending a conference or event?
Apply now for our Summer round of Student Travel Bursaries to support you on your professional journey.
Membership Benefits
MyMBA
The MBA Members online area provides a personalised online space to access a directory of Professional and Fellow Members for collaboration and idea sharing, explore exclusive resources including The Marine Biologist archive and stay up to date with careers and opportunities to advance your work and passion in marine biology.
Subscription to The Marine Biologist magazine
The Marine Biologist is the world’s leading magazine dedicated to the discipline of marine biology. Members will enjoy free subscription to this beautiful quarterly publication, bringing you the latest in ocean research, communication and education, with contributions from leading names in the field.
Journal of the Marine Biological Association
Student and Professional Members get free access to Journal of the Marine Biological Association (JMBA), the MBA’s international journal, publishing original research and reviews on all aspects of marine biology. Your membership also includes discounts on publishing in the journal.
Community
The MyMBA Community provides instant access to a global network of marine biologists, students, and enthusiasts. Build lasting connections, exchange ideas, and find support from peers who share your passion.
Access to the NMBL
The National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) is one of the largest marine reference libraries in the world. Holding thousands of scientific journal titles and books, historical literature and expedition reports. MBA Members can make full use of the collections and facilities, including electronic journal access in-house.
Promote your professional credibility
Feature in the MBA’s Professional & Fellow Directory, use of exclusive post nominals, writing and presenting opportunities.
Choose a membership
YMB
Under 18 and love marine biology? Become a Young Marine Biologist.
£20
per year
Student
Studying marine biology and registered in full time University education? Become a Student Member.
£25
per year
monthly payments available
Associate
Passionate about marine biology and the future of our ocean? Become an Associate Member.
£45
per year
Professional
A practising marine biologist or graduate of marine biology? Become a Professional Member.
Full price
£55
Postgraduate
£25
monthly payments available
Fellow (FMBA)
If you are a senior practitioners in marine biology and have contributed to marine biology at the highest level. Join our prestigious Fellows.
£130
per year
monthly payments available
Latest News
Our Team
Maya Plass Mem.MBA, HonFBNA
Head of Engagement
Maya Plass Mem.MBA, HonFBNA
Head of Engagement
maypla@mba.ac.uk
As Head of Engagement, I am responsible for leading the Engagement Department and coordinating all MBA messaging to convey marine biology matters and scientific discoveries creatively and credibly to improve external reach and impact. Developing the business plans and managing the day-to-day activities of the communications and membership teams to engage with our Members meaningfully and ensuring we support them on their professional journeys.
Previously, as Head of Communications at the Marine Biological Association, I was responsible for overseeing the development of a new website, a rebrand and a drive to increase the visibility of the MBA.
I have always been passionate about the ocean both in my free time and professionally. After my studies in marine sciences, my career started by reviewing coastal tourism of Peninsula Valdes, Argentina; being part of an international program of leaders in education in Midway Atoll and working on a European water catchment project for Devon County Council. I went on to establish my own venture “Learn To Sea” in 2008 which evolved to my becoming an author of two books, media broadcaster and an independent voice for our marine environment for many years. My passion for communicating the importance of life in the ocean and its vital role to society led to my role as patron of marine charities and an Honorary Fellow of the Bristish Naturalist Association.
I am honoured to apply my experience and skills to this role at the Marine Biological Association which I have been a proud member of for over 25 years.
Guy Baker, Mem.MBA
The Marine Biologist Editor
Guy Baker, Mem.MBA
The Marine Biologist Editor
guba@mba.ac.uk
After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in geology from the University of London I worked in the oil industry for a couple of years.
For a number of years, I worked in the Drawing Office at UCL. I returned to study taking a Masters in Applied Marine Science at Plymouth Uni. After that I worked at the National Marine Aquarium and then at the Environment Agency (Tidal Water Quality group).
I started at the MBA in 2002, first with MarLIN, then as MBA Communications Officer.
We started The Marine Biologist magazine in 2013. I began working full-time on the magazine with the Membership Team in 2020.
Caitlin Hodges
Social Media and Marketing Officer
Caitlin Hodges
Social Media and Marketing Officer
Graham Lang
Membership Services Officer
Graham Lang
Membership Services Officer
gralan@mba.ac.uk
Chris Parkes
Photographic Officer
Chris Parkes
Photographic Officer
My diverse skills, developed over 23 years of photography, have taken me from shooting in hailstorms in the UK to recording the experiences of those affected by conflict in NE Nigeria. My intimate storytelling makes people the agents of their own stories, and my eye-catching images have helped a wide range of national and international organisations bring their stories to life.
Born in the UK, but raised in South Africa during the last decade of apartheid and a member of the LGBTQIA community, I have developedd a powerful sense of how inequalities impact the human experience. I see visual storytelling as the bridge between empathy and change, that photographers have a moral obligation to depict the stories they tell with dignity and that the enduring popularity of photography makes it one of the core mediums in creating a fairer world.
My imagery often uses strong contrast and controlled lighting, and has been published in a wide range of national and international platfroms.
Amy Schofield
Senior Communications Officer
Amy Schofield
Senior Communications Officer
My first love is writing to engage, inspire and educate and with a background in journalism, communications, and storytelling, my career has spanned national charities, community interest companies, the NHS, and private organisations, where I’ve developed print and online publications, communications strategies, and created multimedia content that brings complex topics to life for a diverse range of audiences. I’m here to help share the impact and influence of the MBA by telling the stories of the science and the passionate people behind everything that the MBA does. When I’m not here by the sea you’ll find me cooking, hanging out with family and animals, stargazing, or walking in the woods.
Alexandra Street
Senior Membership Officer
Alexandra Street
Senior Membership Officer
alexa@mba.ac.uk
My role as Senior Membership Officer involves servicing a global membership, developing membership engagement and benefits, supporting Learned Society and governance activities and assisting the FMBA Applications Committee. I additionally provide support to the Events team. Originally from Sweden, I celebrate 20 years at the Marine Biological Association in different administrative roles.
Tanya Whipps BSc (Hons), RVN
Membership Services Officer
Tanya Whipps BSc (Hons), RVN
Membership Services Officer
tanwhi@mba.ac.uk
After graduating with BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from Bangor University I worked in various aquaria roles before transitioning into veterinary medicine. I graduated as a veterinary nurse in 2009 before becoming a clinical coach and student nurse trainer in 2013. I worked in various clinical and non-clinical roles with veterinary science and communication before joining the MBA in 2023 as a Membership Services Officer. My key areas involve Member communications, community collaboration and MBA membership support. I am keen to use my varied experience and knowledge to promote the research and science of the Marine Biological Association.
Can we help?
If you have an enquiry about any aspect of the Marine Biological Association, please drop us a line below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
