Jon Copley

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I'm a marine biologist whose research explores the patterns of life in the deep ocean, which covers most of our world and faces increasing impacts from climate change, pollution, and extraction of resources.

My work includes advising policymakers on the protection of deep-sea habitats, and I'm currently an Advisory Board member for the international Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI). I'm based at the University of Southampton in the UK, and I'm a former Scientific Associate of the Natural History Museum in London and a National Geographic Explorer.

My experience in ocean exploration includes planning and leading expeditions aboard research ships, using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Human-Occupied Vehicles (HOVs), and discovering new species of deep-sea animals. I took part in the first dive of a human-occupied vehicle to the world's deepest known hydrothermal vents, 5 km (3.1 miles) down on the ocean floor, and the first human-occupied vehicle dives to reach 1 km (0.62 miles) deep in the Antarctic.

In the science communication part of my role, I work with media producers to share the exploration of the deep ocean with people worldwide, for example as a contributor to programmes including BBC Blue Planet II, The Infinite Monkey Cage (BBC R4), The Science Hour (World Service), and as an advisor to eco-thriller and sci-fi series.

I'm the author of "Deep Sea: Ten Things You Should Know" (Orion Books, 2023) and "Ask An Ocean Explorer" (Hodder & Stoughton, 2019). I've also published more than 100 bylined popular-science articles in outlets such The Guardian, Nature, and New Scientist, where I worked previously as a Reporter and Assistant News Editor.

Beyond my academic role, in 2006 I co-founded SciConnect Ltd with colleagues in science journalism, creating a capacity-building company that has trained more than 15,000 scientists in how to communicate their work with wider audiences. I have worked as a Director of the company to develop and deliver training programmes for clients including research institutions, funding bodies, government agencies, NGOs and companies across the UK and in Europe.

For more info, please see www.joncopley.com

Experience

  • 2022–present
    Professor of Ocean Exporation and Science Communication, University of Southampton
  • 2006–present
    Co-founder & Director, SciConnect Ltd
  • 2017–2022
    Associate Professor in Ocean Exploration & Public Engagement, University of Southampton
  • 2013–2017
    Associate Professor in Marine Ecology, University of Southampton
  • 2007–2013
    Lecturer in Marine Ecology, University of Southampton
  • 2005–2007
    Senior Teaching Fellow in Marine Ecology, University of Southampton
  • 2000–2005
    Teaching Fellow in Marine Ecology, University of Southampton
  • 2000–2004
    Science Coordinator (part-time), NERC Autosub Under Ice programme
  • 1998–1999
    Reporter & Assistant News Editor, New Scientist magazine

Education

  • 1998 
    University of Southampton, PhD in Oceanography
  • 1994 
    University of Southampton, MSc in Oceanography
  • 1992 
    University of Sheffield, BSc(Hons) in Zoology

Grants and Contracts

  • 2022
    DEEPEND: Deep-ocean resources and biodiscovery - enabling a sustainable and healthy low-carbon future
    Role:
    Project Partner
    Funding Source:
    Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  • 2021
    SMARTEX: Seabed Mining And Resilience To EXperimental impact
    Role:
    Co-Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2017
    The colonisation of hydrothermal vents by complex life: a natural experiment in macroevolution
    Role:
    Co-Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2011
    Biogeography and ecology of the first known deep-sea vent site on the ultraslow-spreading SW Indian Ridge
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2011
    Deep-sea vents between the Azores and Iceland: missing piece in a global puzzle of marine life
    Role:
    Lead Investigator
    Funding Source:
    National Geographic
  • 2009
    Hydrothermal activity and deep-ocean biology of the Mid-Cayman Rise
    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2008
    Chemosynthetic Ecosystems of the Southern Ocean
    Role:
    Co-Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council

Research Areas

  • Ecology (0602)
  • Zoology (0608)
  • Oceanography (0405)
  • Evolutionary Biology (0603)

Contact Jon for

  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration