December always brings with it one of the highlights of our calendar, the Annual General Meeting, and with it an invaluable moment to reflect on our science, our community and our impact. Despite what has been an undeniably challenging period for the wider world, the ocean and the academic sector, the MBA has continued to deliver.
Our 2025 Annual Report captures this story in more detail and I would personally like to share a few highlights that illustrate the strength, ambition and impact of the MBA today.
Scientific excellence and success
A testament to the scientific excellence, originality and global relevance of the work taking place here at the MBA, is the success of our 2025 grant applications. In a period where research funding has tightened across the UK and globally we have had great success and our research outputs reflect this momentum. The number of peer-reviewed papers by MBA researchers continues to rise with our work represented in high-impact international journals, while some of the UK’s most highly cited scientists are based here.
In the summer, four Research Assistants joined us to update MarLIN’s Marine Evidence-based Sensitivity Assessments (MarESAs) for marine habitats around the coasts of the British Isles. The project, led by Dr Harvey Tyler-Walters, will update the evidence base used to underpin and inform the marine environmental advice supplied by the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs). In updating this evidence base, the MBA provides the core science that UK conservation bodies rely on for environmental advice, marine planning, and habitat protection, ensuring that policy is grounded in robust, peer-reviewed evidence.
Meanwhile, the MBA partnered with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth to conduct a rapid response project led by Dr Bryce Stewart to uncover the reasons behind the unprecedented octopus ‘bloom’ observed off the coast of Southwest England this year. A survey of fishermen’s experiences of octopus eating their catches of crab and lobster has resulted in a unique insightful report which focuses on the bloom’s impact on fishing communities and how best to respond if we see it happen again.
Research the world needs
A standout example amongst our science programme this year, is a ground-breaking study published in Nature Climate Change from Dr Katie Smith. This research examines the growing impact of marine heatwaves on rocky shore ecosystems and kelp forests worldwide. It is sobering science, illustrating the accelerating effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity and what good forecasting and prompt action can help reduce impacts.
Another highlight is the latest Southward Review, published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association (JMBA). Written by leading evolutionary biologist Professor Peter Holland, this thought-provoking paper asks: Why sequence the genome of every species? The review explores how genome sequencing is reshaping evolutionary biology—from tracing the origins of biodiversity to uncovering hidden links between species.
Prestigious awards
Our science programme now holds three European Research Council (ERC) grants, one of the most prestigious research funding opportunities in Europe. The newest ERC award was secured this year by Senior Research Fellow Dr Katherine Helliwell for her pioneering work on the interactions between phytoplankton and the bacteria that kill them. These microscopic processes drive nutrient recycling and underpin the ocean’s role in planetary regulation. Understanding them at a molecular level is fundamental to understanding their effect on ocean health and ultimately the future of the planet.
Establishing exceptional research leaders
We have been delighted this year to welcome Dr Alice Horton, who joined us in November as a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow. She was recently named in the internationally recognised Highly Cited Researchers List in recognition of her influence in her field. Alice’s programme focuses on microplastics and multi-stressor impacts on marine ecosystems, an area with scientific origins tracing back to Plymouth, where the term microplastics was first coined through work involving long-term data from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey.
Alice’s expertise strengthens a research theme that remains globally significant, and it reinforces the central role the CPR Survey has in understanding long-term change in the oceans.
Expanding our global community
By Royal Charter, we awarded 5 new MBA Fellows (FMBAs) in recognition of their sustained impact in the field. Together we are expanding our community of over 1,800 members in over 50 countries, with almost half being Professional members.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters we have awarded seven Travel Bursaries, one Studentship and three Investigatorships, as well as appointing a new Anne Warner Fellow, to be announced shortly. Our Grants and Awards support our Members across the career stages. New opportunities will be released throughout the year, including international exchange bursaries that enable scientists to work with partner institutions in locations such as Hong Kong and the Azores.
We welcomed a new Trustee this year, Sarah Holmyard, adding to the range of experience and insight within our governance.
Reaching new audiences
This year we’ve been increasing our multi-channel approach and have reached over 75,000 followers and 4bn impressions. Between the Journal of the Marine Biological Association, The Marine Biologist Magazine (TMB) and the TMB podcast, we have something for everyone, whether expert or interested! TMB continues to grow in popularity and is still cited as our top Membership benefit. Thank you to all of our amazing contributors from across the world and the field of marine biology – this year alone we featured articles from 48 contributors in six countries. Their articles provide rich insights, experiences and research news, making TMB a must-read for anyone with a passion for marine science.
Deep thanks
Every one of our staff, volunteers, Members, supporters, collaborators and funders plays a vital role in powering the science that protects our ocean. Together we can continue to unlock the secrets of our changing ocean through world-leading marine research and discovery. As a charity, the MBA relies on your support. Every donation to the MBA is an investment in the future of our ocean, thank you.
My deepest thanks to everyone and please explore our latest Annual Report, where you’ll find more detail on our mission and our work.
Professor Willie Wilson
Chief Executive, Marine Biological Association
