Studentship beneficiary reflects on a transformative summer of hands-on marine research at the MBA

Exeter University student and MBA Student Member, Jasmin Orak, joined the Marine Biological Association (MBA) this summer as a Spooner-Parke Summer Studentship awardee, spending 6 weeks immersed in hands-on marine microbiology research.

Winter must-reads from the National Marine Biological Library

Looking for the perfect book to curl up with this winter? If you love the ocean, marine life and the stories behind our ocean, these three titles – reviewed in The Marine Biologist magazine – are essential additions to your reading list. Plus, MBA Members enjoy exclusive discounts when purchasing through the publishers! Beautiful Shells … Read more

A year of global impact and growth: MBA Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, reflects on 2025 

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 … Read more

University of Plymouth Graduate recognised for outstanding academic achievement with MBA Prize

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is pleased to congratulate the winner of 2025’s prestigious MBA prize. Tilly Powell, who recently graduated with a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology, First Class from the University of Plymouth, received the prize for ‘Outstanding Performance on a Marine Biology Programme’ for her exceptional academic performance.

Applications now open for the 2026 Molly Spooner Studentship

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Molly Spooner Studentship, a unique opportunity that enables undergraduate university students to experience hands-on marine biological research at the MBA.

New marine tardigrade ‘water bear’ species discovered

Scientists from Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) have discovered a new marine tardigrade species, Batillipes malaysianus, found along the shores of Labuan. Lead researcher Associate Professor Dr Cheng-Ann Chen said the discovery stems from field surveys conducted on 29 November 2023 and 16 September 2024 (Malaysia Day). He said the … Read more

Ocean is Life: Celebrating the winners of the MBA Member Photo Competition 2024

We are delighted to announce the winners of the MBA Membership Photo Competition 2024! After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions from talented MBA Members from all over the world, fellow MBA Members selected the winners who truly captured the essence of the competition’s theme, Ocean is Life. These winners have not only showcased their … Read more

Marine Biological Association Trustee Appointed OBE

We are pleased to announce that a Marine Biological Association (MBA) Trustee has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to marine conservation and research. Professor Rosalind Rickaby OBE FRS, marine biogeochemist and Chair of Geology in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University … Read more

MBA Student Bursary Programme: Empowering the next generation of marine biologists

Three MBA Members had the unique opportunity to attend a prestigious international conference thanks to the Marine Biological Association (MBA) Student Bursary Programme. The MBA Postgraduate Members were able to attend the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Perth, Australia, which provided valuable support and enabled them to network and learn … Read more