Keynote speakers
We are delighted to announce the following keynote speakers already confirmed for this years MBA 2020 conference. Additional keynotes are still to be confirmed, updates will be posted accordingly.
Microorganisms are the most abundant components of marine ecosystems, and have a diverse array of metabolic functions that control biogeochemical cycles and maintain the earth system. Connecting microbial phylogenetic diversity and metabolic capability with biogeochemical processes is vital to achieve a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystem structure and functioning
The Cunliffe Research Group at the MBA is focused on understanding the underpinning mechanisms, both ecological and physiological, by which microorganisms sustain marine biogeochemical cycles and other ecosystem services. The multidisciplinary research integrates contemporary omics approaches with analytical biogeochemical techniques and classic microbiological methods, combining field-based observation of complex microbial assemblages and laboratory-based experiments using model microorganisms.
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Professor Grant Stentiford
One Health Aquaculture
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Grant is the aquatic animal health theme lead at the Centre for Environment, Aquaculture and Fisheries Science (Cefas) and is the co-director the Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures (SAF), which is a joint initiative between Cefas and the University of Exeter.
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Grant’s work focuses on aquatic animal pathology and combines approaches based upon histopathology, transmission electron microscopy and molecular systematics for the classification of novel and emerging pathogens in aquatic animals. He has wide experience in the diagnosis of disease in experimental, farmed and wild aquatic animals.
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With the world's population set to increase to almost 10 billion by 2050, providing future generations with safe and sustainable farmed seafood is one of the critical challenges researchers working with the centre will address. SAF seeks to develop further collaborative partnerships with academia, governments and industry, both nationally and internationally, to establish a network of world leaders in the fields of aquatic animal health, food safety, and protection of the aquatic environment.
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Professor Christine Maggs
Christine is the first Chief Scientist of the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee. JNCC is part of the Defra group which provides conservation advice to governments based on analyses of scientific evidence, including those relating to a wide range of marine policies. The Chief Scientist role includes strengthening relationships between JNCC and the research community, building partnerships with other organisations and promoting JNCC’s science in the UK and more widely.
After studying Botany at Oxford, a work placement on seaweeds in the Natural History Museum in London and a scientific diving expedition to Brazil led to Christine’s first job as a diving botanist in Wales and then to a PhD at NUI Galway. Following a postdoctoral fellowship in Canada and a NERC Advanced Research Fellowship held at Queen’s University Belfast, Christine joined QUB’s School of Biological Sciences as a marine biologist, becoming Professor of Phycology, Director of Research and then Head of School. She later worked for two years at Bournemouth University as Dean of Science & Technology.
Christine’s main research interests are evolution and systematics of seaweeds, biological conservation and sustainable seaweed exploitation, and invasion biology in aquatic habitats. Christine also promotes public understanding of seaweeds, having co-authored a popular Seasearch guide, and teaches a course to the public and agency staff in spring each year.
