Unfolding Our Shared Future Talk Series

National Oceanographic Centre, Southampton Public Event

20 November; 17.30-19.00; Charnock Lecture Theatre, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

The format of the event will be a “fireside chat” chaired by Professor Penny Holliday, Chief Scientific Officer at the National Oceanography Centre. Joining Professor Holliday is Professor Jon Copley, Professor of Ocean Exploration and Science Communication at the University of Southampton and Dr Steve Thur from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States discussing how partnerships in ocean health and ocean science can support the future of our oceans. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and ask questions. There will also be an opportunity to network prior and post-event.

About the Speakers

Dr Steve Thur is the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and performs the duties of NOAA Chief Scientist. Steve oversees the work of approximately 2,300 staff and the operations of ten laboratories and six programs, and he guides the application of NOAA Research’s expertise, data and tools to better understand our planet and help us to make informed decisions to protect people and ecosystems. Dr. Thur’s career with NOAA has focused on applying service through science in order to manage, restore, and conserve marine resources. Prior to joining NOAA Research, Dr. Thur was director of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science from 2017 to 2022 and the deputy director from 2013 to 2017. From 2007 to 2013, he was the coordinator of NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, the nation’s premier coral reef science program. Dr. Thur was an economist for the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure at NOAA, Dr. Thur has had a particular emphasis on how both the biophysical and social sciences are used to sustain coastal ecosystems and the vibrant human communities that depend upon them for livelihoods, recreation, and as a place for connecting with nature. 

Professor Penny Holliday is the Chief Scientific Officer at the NOC. Prior to this appointment Penny was Associate Director for National Capability Science and Head of the Marine Physics and Ocean Climate group at the NOC. Penny is a physical oceanographer and her research has focused on the circulation and variability of the subpolar North Atlantic, and the role of the ocean in our changing climate. She has participated in 21 seagoing expeditions, several as Chief Scientist. She is the UK principal investigator for an international programme researching the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation strength, variability and mechanisms. She holds the role of Principal Investigator a world-leading UK Atlantic science programme supporting national and global strategic needs. 

Professor Jon Copley is Professor of Ocean Exploration and Science Communication. Jon’s research as a marine ecologist explores life in the deep ocean that covers most of our planet, and his work in science communication brings deep-sea discoveries to global audiences. His research has explored deep-sea habitats in the Arctic and Antarctic, the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean, with recent grants investigating the evolution of animal life at hydrothermal vents, the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining, and the biomedical potential of molecules from deep-sea species.

This talk is part of a series, titled ‘Unfolding Our Shared Future’, which is delivered by the American Politics Group of the Political Studies Association and the host universities with the support of the British Association of American Studies and US Embassy in London.

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