Women in Ocean Science University Ambassadors Katie Thiessen and Georgia Dixon recently visited staff at the National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) to explore the Marine Biological Association’s archive and discuss collaborative opportunities for celebrating local women in marine science. During their visit, Katie and Georgia met with Library and Archives staff to view original material connected to some of the pioneering women whose work has shaped marine biology in Plymouth and beyond.
The NMBL is one of the largest marine reference libraries in the world and has been part of the MBA’s Citadel Hill site since the laboratory opened in 1888. Its collections include thousands of books, rare volumes, journals, archive records, objects and scientific illustrations that document the development of marine biology over more than a century. The archive includes significant material from eminent marine researchers including Dr Marie Lebour, Dr Mary Parke FRS, Dr Molly Spooner MBE, and Elsie Sexton, alongside records that illuminate the wider history of the MBA and its research community.
These collections offer a window into the work of women scientists who made important contributions across marine zoology, botany, plankton research, fisheries science and ecological studies, often at a time when women faced significant barriers to formal scientific careers. Dr Marie Lebour dedicated much of her career to studying plankton, larvae and the life cycles of marine animals, producing detailed research and illustrations that continue to support understanding of marine biodiversity. Dr Mary Parke FRS was a leading phycologist whose work on marine algae and microalgal culture helped underpin research in aquaculture, shellfish rearing and marine ecology, while Dr Molly Spooner MBE contributed to knowledge of marine food webs and plankton ecology. Elsie Sexton’s precise illustrations preserve a visual record of marine species and scientific observation.
Katie and Georgia pored over original illustrations by Dr Marie Lebour (L – study of diatoms) and Elsie Sexton (R – partial drawing of E. Crustacea). c. Marine Biological Association
Much of this rich material is yet to be fully catalogued or described, and we are excited to develop projects that will enable us to bring greater attention to these pioneering women, their research and their stories. By working with Women in Ocean Science, we hope to create opportunities for students, researchers and the public to discover how archive collections can connect past and present; showing how historic field notes, illustrations, correspondence and specimens can still inform contemporary marine science, public engagement and future research.
The visit opened up conversations about how to share these stories more widely, from social media and exhibitions to talks, workshops and student-led engagement. We look forward to further meetings with Katie and Georgia as we take the next steps in uncovering, interpreting and celebrating the stories of women in ocean science connected with the NMBL and the MBA archive.
Join the MBA as a Member to connect with a global community of marine scientists and supporters, and enjoy access to the National Marine Biological Library as part of your Membership. Discover the NMBL’s unique collections, explore the MBA archive, and help support the preservation and sharing of marine science heritage for future generations.
Carol Giles, Library Services Manager and Kristina Hixon, Library and Archives Officer
