Our Membership

Membership with a mission: pioneering science for our ocean, our life.

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 – shaping the future of our ocean.

Protect the one ocean that connect us all and join today.


Choose a membership

Fellow (FMBA)

Celebrating leadership in marine biology and setting the standard for marine excellence. Lead, discover and inspire – apply to be an FMBA today.

£130

per year

monthly payments available

Professional

Where professional integrity meets global recognition. A practising marine biologist or graduate of marine biology ? Become a Professional Member.

Full price

£55

Postgraduate

£25

monthly payments available

Student

Join a community that inspires and supports your journey. Studying marine sciences and registered in full time University education? Become a Student Member.

£25

per year

monthly payments available

Associate

Where passion meets marine science working together for a healthier ocean. Become an Associate Member.

 

£45

per year

monthly payments available

YMB

Start your ocean adventures with us. Join today (under 18s) to open your gateway to a world of ocean knowledge.

 

£20

per year

Membership Benefits

MyMBA

Deep dive into MyMBA including our Membership hub – a living ocean of knowledge, updated yearly. Access a directory of Professional and Fellow Members to collaborate with, or explore the archives of The Marine Biologist and discover a sea of ideas that has shaped marine biology.

A person sits happily reading The Marine Biologist

Subscription to The Marine Biologist magazine

The Marine Biologist is for curious minds and passionate professionals alike. The exclusive Members’ magazine is your essential companion for marine news and global insights – in print and online four times a year.

JMBA Cover

Journal of the Marine Biological Association

Advancing marine science, one publication at a time. Student and Professional Members get free access to Journal of the Marine Biological Association the MBA’s international journal. Your membership also includes discounts on publishing in the journal.

Staff joyously celebrate Holi celebrations by throwing coloured chalk in to the sky

Community

The MyMBA Community connects ocean minds, worldwide. Meet, connect and discover a global network of marine biologists, students and enthusiasts wherever you are in the world.

MBA Library with comfy seats surrounded by books and sunlight

Access to the Library

The National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) is your exclusive gateway to centuries of cutting-edge marine research in one of the world’s largest marine libraries. Unlock the secrets of the sea with exclusive access to our extensive digital and physical library.

Research scientist running kelp research on a vessel

Promote your professional credibility

Feature in the MBA’s Professional & Fellow Directory and use your exclusive post nominals – honouring those who shape marine science worldwide.

Our Team

Staff profile our people Maya Plass Head of Engagement Membership Communications

Maya Plass Mem.MBA, HonFBNA

Head of Engagement

Maya Plass Mem.MBA, HonFBNA

Head of Engagement

Staff profile our people Maya Plass Head of Engagement Membership Communications

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.

Alexandra Street - Senior Membership Officer

Alexandra Angevi

Senior Membership Officer

Alexandra Angevi

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.

Guy Baker

Guy Baker, Mem.MBA

The Marine Biologist Editor

Guy Baker, Mem.MBA

The Marine Biologist Editor

Guy Baker

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.

Graham Lang - Membership Services Officer-5071

Graham Lang

Membership Services Officer

Graham Lang

Membership Services Officer

Graham Lang - Membership Services Officer-5071

gralan@mba.ac.uk

Photographic Officer Chris Parkes

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 smiling in front of a mural of a squid

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.

Membership Services Officer Tanya Whipps.

Tanya Whipps BSc (Hons), RVN

Membership Services Officer

Tanya Whipps BSc (Hons), RVN

Membership Services Officer

Membership Services Officer Tanya Whipps.

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.

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