About
Jon Copley is a Professor of Ocean Exploration and Science Communication at the University of Southampton. His research as a marine ecologist has explored life in the deep ocean that covers most of the world, and his work in science communication brings deep-sea discoveries to global audiences.
Research
Research groups
Research interests
- Deep-sea ecology
- Ocean exploration
Current research
Jon's research has explored the patterns of life in deep-sea environments, which face increasing impacts from climate change, pollution, and extraction of resources.
In particular, he has studied island-like seafloor habitats such as hydrothermal vents, cold seeps and whale-falls to investigate ecology ("who does what"), biogeography ("who lives where"), and evolution ("who is related to whom") in the deep ocean.
Studying those deep-sea habitats has often involved finding and describing new species, and Jon has been interested in what we can learn from them for medicine and materials science. He has also investigated the reproductive biology and life-cycles of deep-sea animals, which may help us to understand their vulnerability to disturbance by human activities.
Jon's research has encompassed 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.
Jon's work in public and policymaker engagement with his research resulted in Impact Case Studies for REF2021 (Deep impact: the exploration and stewardship of biodiversity in the deep ocean) and REF2014 (Explore the deep: public engagement with deep-ocean research).
Research projects
Active projects
Completed projects
Publications
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Teaching
Jon has taught marine ecology and oceanography for more than 25 years. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and has received Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Teaching and for Postgraduate Supervision & Training.
Jon leads a module in Deep-Sea Ecology for final-year undergraduates and postgraduate Masters students, and he is producing a new textbook on the subject for Routledge's Ecology Essentials series.
He also teaches a marine biology field course using the University's coastal research vessel, and lectures on first-year undergraduate modules including Marine Invertebrates and Introduction to Marine Ecology & Evolution.
In online education, Jon was Lead Educator of the University's Exploring Our Ocean Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), which was taken up by more than 60 000 people from 180+ countries and Highly Commended in The Ocean Awards.
Jon is currently Director of Programmes for the School of Ocean & Earth Science, helping to ensure our degrees evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. He is also a mentor and assessor for AdvanceHE fellowship qualifications, supporting colleagues across the University to develop their educational practice.
External roles and responsibilities
Biography
Jon has been involved in exploring the deep ocean over the past three decades, including using Human-Occupied Vehicles (HOVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and leading expeditions aboard research ships.
He took part in the first Human-Occupied Vehicle dive to the world's deepest known hydrothermal vents, becoming the first British person to dive more than 5000 metres deep in the ocean, and the first Human-Occupied Vehicle dives to reach 1000 metres deep in the Antarctic.
Jon is an Advisory Board member for the global Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI), and was previously Co-Chair of the InterRidge initiative for international cooperation in research at mid-ocean ridges. He is also a former Scientific Associate of the Natural History Museum in London, and a National Geographic Explorer.
In science communication, Jon works with broadcasters to share the exploration of the deep ocean with people worldwide, for example advising and appearing in documentaries such as BBC Blue Planet II, and contributing to programmes for Radio 4 and the World Service.
He routinely interacts with news media to raise awareness of deep-sea issues and discoveries, and he has also advised oceanic eco-thrillers and sci-fi series.
Jon often discusses why and how we explore deep-sea life at science festivals, and he has worked with museums, artists, and musicians on exhibitions and events highlighting connections between the deep ocean and our everyday lives.
As a popular-science writer, Jon is the author of Deep Sea: 10 Things You Should Know (Seven Dials, 2023) and Ask An Ocean Explorer (Hodder & Stoughton, 2019), and articles for outlets including The Guardian, Nature, BBC Science Focus and New Scientist, where he was previously a Reporter and Assistant News Editor.
Beyond his University role, in 2006 Jon 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 share their work with wider audiences. He has 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.
Prizes
- Royal Society of Biology Science Communication Award for Established Researchers (2008)
- British Science Association Charles Lyell Award Lecture for Environmental Sciences (2007)
- Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching (2007)
- Vice-Chancellor's Award for Postgraduate Supervision and Training (2011)
- Highly Commended in The Ocean Awards 2016 (Blue Marine Foundation and Boat International Media) (2016)
- University of Southampton Staff Achievement Award Level 1 (2006)
- Nominated by students for Southampton University Students' Union "Most engaging lecturer" award (2019)
- Nominated by students for Southampton University Students' Union "Outstanding lecturer", "Innovative teaching", and "Lifetime achievement" awards (2013)
- Finalist for Vice-Chancellor's Award for Public Engagement (2018)
- Royal Society of Biology Science Communication Award for Established Researchers (2008)
- British Science Association Charles Lyell Award Lecture for Environmental Sciences (2007)
- Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching (2007)
- Vice-Chancellor's Award for Postgraduate Supervision and Training (2011)
- Highly Commended in The Ocean Awards 2016 (Blue Marine Foundation and Boat International Media) (2016)
- University of Southampton Staff Achievement Award Level 1 (2006)
- Nominated by students for Southampton University Students' Union "Most engaging lecturer" award (2019)
- Nominated by students for Southampton University Students' Union "Outstanding lecturer", "Innovative teaching", and "Lifetime achievement" awards (2013)
- Finalist for Vice-Chancellor's Award for Public Engagement (2018)