PML Announces Departure of Director of Science to Lead New Marine Science Centre in the UAE

Image above: Professor Widdicombe pictured last year (2024) in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, where he was voted as the UK National Champion for the Frontiers Planet Prize, a global competition which rewards and promotes breakthroughs in science that show the greatest potential to keep the planet from crossing the nine planetary boundaries.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) today (Thursday 17th July) announces that Professor Steve Widdicombe, Director of Science, will be leaving his position to take up an exciting new role as Director of a newly-established marine science institute in the United Arab Emirates.

Professor Widdicombe will conclude his tenure at PML in the autumn, in order to take up his new role at the newly-formed Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre at the University of Khorfakkan in Sharjah.

Image: The Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre at the University of Khorfakkan in Sharjah

Before taking on his current role as Director of Science in 2019, Professor Widdicombe was PML’s Head of Science for Marine Ecology and Biodiversity for over 10 years, having joined the institute in 1991. During his time at PML, Professor Widdicombe has been instrumental in establishing the charity as a global leader in marine science research and impact, particularly in the field of ocean acidification. His leadership has overseen the delivery of timely and policy-relevant scientific research, advice and solutions, covering marine life and processes from local to global scales.

On the international stage, Professor Widdicombe’s contributions to marine science are extensive. As Co-Chair of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) Executive Council, he has helped coordinate a collaborative international network of around 1,000 scientists from more than 100 countries. He also co-leads the UN Ocean Decade endorsed programme ‘Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability’ (OARS), which aims to provide society with the observational and scientific evidence needed to sustainably identify, monitor, mitigate and adapt to ocean acidification.

His research career, spanning over 30 years, has focused on using field observations and large experiments to address critical issues relating to marine ecology, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem function. Professor Widdicombe has published more than 170 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, played key roles within the UN Ocean Decade, as the co-focal point for the Community of Ocean Action for UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and has been a key contributor to high-level policy discussions including at the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) Conferences of the Parties.

Having served on numerous international committees including the UN Convention for Biological Diversity Ad-Hoc Technical Expert Group on Indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN 3rd World Ocean Assessment Pool of Experts, Professor Widdicombe will continue to contribute to the global understanding and protection of the Ocean.

Professor Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, commented:

“Steve has been an exceptional Director of Science and his contributions to both PML and the global marine science community have been truly outstanding. His pioneering work in ocean acidification research and his leadership in establishing international collaborations have positioned PML at the forefront of marine science.

While we are sad to see him leave, we are excited about this new opportunity for Steve to lead another important marine science institute. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership as we work together towards our shared mission of understanding and protecting our oceans for future generations.”

Professor Widdicombe’s departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter at PML, during which he has helped shape the laboratory’s scientific direction (including the new ‘Science for Ocean Action’ strategy) and international reputation.

His legacy includes not only groundbreaking research but also the development of the next generation of marine scientists and the establishment of crucial international partnerships.

Professor Widdicombe said:

“I’m incredibly proud of my time at PML which has been my scientific home and family for the past three and a half decades. It’s a great place to work filled with remarkable people doing incredible science but the time was right for me to take on this new challenge. 

I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to build something from the ground up and to contribute to marine science capacity building. I look forward to continuing my international collaborations and maintaining strong ties with PML as we work together to address the critical challenges facing our oceans.”

PML will announce succession plans in due course.

Image: Steve demonstrating the ecological functions of sediment burrows to visiting VIPs

Images: Steve was involved with numerous visits by MPs over the years

Image: Prof Widdicombe with colleagues onboard RV Plymouth Quest 

Image: Steve and Icarus in Vietnam getting to know partners in the ACCORD project.

Image: Steve was a key participant of PML’s Research Showcase events at the House of Lords

Image: Steve pictured at COP28, signing a letter of intent on behalf of PML with the National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries (NIOF) committing to international collaboration.