Profile

Photo:

Richard Thompson

My CV

  • Education:

    Arnold Hill comprehensive School (now Academy), Nottingham

  • Qualifications:

    8 ‘O’ levels

    3  ‘A’ levels (Biology, Chemistry, Economics)

    BSc Marine Biology (University of Newcastle)

    PhD Marine Ecology (University of Liverpool)

     

  • Work History:

    I worked as a Teaching Assistant at Newcastle University for a little while before moving on to be a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, where I stayed for 3 years.

    In 2000 I moved on to the University of Plymouth where I am still working now.

  • Current Job:

    Director of the Marine Institute and professor of Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth

  • Employer:

    University of Plymouth

    • About Me:

      I live with my wife and 13 year old  twin girls in Devon. I am a professor in marine biology and an expert on plastic pollution. I like to canoe, kayak as well as go camping, fishing !

    • Read more

      I published the first article about microscopic fragments of plastic on the environment in 2004 and called them ‘microplastics’. Since then I have continue working on how plastic pollution impacts animals and the environment and was awarded an OBE for this work in 2017.

    • My pronouns are:

      he/him

    • My Work:

      I am Professor of Marine Biology and Director of he University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute. I lead a research team that is at the forefront of microplastics research. Our work looks at how widely microplastics are distributed and what harm they are causing animals and ecosystems.

    • Read more

      Together with my team I have been at the forefront of microplastics research showing their global distribution, the potential for transfer from the gut to the circulatory system, and their role in the transport of chemicals. This work was important in the recognition of microplastic contamination in policy, such as Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the UK ban on microbeads in rinse-off cosmetic products. I have worked with people across many disciplines focusing particularly on how we can use plastic more sustainably.

      My wider research focuses on shallow water habitats, including artificial structures and their role in protecting our coast lines.

    • My Typical Day:

      I don’t think there is a typical day for me. My work is very varied and it changes day-to-day. No day is like another, which keep things interesting.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      Create resources for schools within UK’s National Marine Park in Plymouth   https://plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com/  

    • My Interview

      • What did you want to be after you left school?

        I wanted to run a business

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        No not really

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I was also interested in being a lawyer

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        various

        What's your favourite food?

        vegetarian

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        Leave the world a better place!

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