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International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025: Pioneering marine biologist and graduate leads global seagrass conservation efforts

In honour of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025, we are proud to highlight the work of Leanne Cullen-Unsworth (Marine Biology, 2000), an interdisciplinary scientist, marine conservation advocate, Charity Co-Founder and CEO of Project Seagrass.

11 February 2025

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the contributions of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This year’s theme, "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science," highlights the critical role women play in driving scientific innovation and addressing global challenges.

This year, we spoke to Leanne Cullen-Unsworth, with over 20 years of experience researching marine ecosystems, Leanne has dedicated her career to understanding and preserving seagrass habitats, which are vital to both marine biodiversity and human well-being.

My path to marine conservation started at Newcastle University

"I decided before I was 10 that I wanted to be a marine biologist, so choosing a degree in Biological Sciences with Honours in Marine Biology at Newcastle University was an easy decision. My time at Newcastle laid the foundation for my scientific career. Spending time at Dove Marine Laboratory was always a highlight - it was inspiring to be by the sea and to conduct hands-on research.

 

At the time, there was barely a mention of seagrass in our marine biology lectures, but now, thanks to growing awareness and research, it is recognised as one of the most important coastal ecosystems. Newcastle helped me develop the skills to use scientific evidence to guide conservation action, which has been the backbone of my career."

Building a global movement for seagrass conservation

Established in 2013, Project Seagrass is a globally facing marine conservation organisation focused on securing a future for seagrass meadows. The organisation takes direct action to map, conserve, and restore seagrass habitats worldwide by collaborating with communities and championing scientific research. One of its major initiatives is Seagrass Spotter, a citizen science project that enables people around the world to contribute to mapping seagrass habitats through a mobile app available in nine languages.

Leanne commented,

"I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Project Seagrass.”

Over the past year, Project Seagrass has reached several key milestones including:

  • National Seagrass Action Plan for Wales – developed by Seagrass Network Cymru and chaired by Project Seagrass, now has support from the Welsh Government. This initiative could pave the way for wider marine recovery across the UK.
  • Seagrass nursery success – They have successfully completed the life cycle of Zostera marina (a key seagrass species) at their nursery in West Wales. This is a major step towards large-scale restoration efforts.
  • Long-term restoration impact – Their meadow-scale restoration project in Dale, West Wales, has shown long-term success after seven years of effort.
  • International research – They have demonstrated a direct link between seagrass loss and poverty, highlighting the socio-economic importance of protecting these ecosystems.

 

Overcoming challenges and advocating for change

Despite its vital ecological role, seagrass remains one of the least understood habitats. A key challenge is raising awareness - people must first know about seagrass in order to care about its conservation. Another major threat is poor water quality, which negatively impacts coastal ecosystems and human health alike.

"Our work is driven by the belief that conservation and restoration must be grounded in strong scientific evidence. The biggest challenge is ensuring that research translates into action. We’re working hard to share the wonder of this incredible habitat and influence policy changes to protect it."

Advice for future scientists and conservationists

For those passionate about making an impact in environmental science, Leanne emphasises the importance of gaining hands-on experience:

"Take opportunities as they come, but don’t wait for them - you need to be proactive. Volunteering, internships, and fieldwork experience will set you apart. Science is collaborative, and conservation work requires teamwork and perseverance. Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Career paths can take unexpected turns, and that’s okay."

A hopeful future for women in STEM

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in STEM. Women like Leanne Cullen-Unsworth are leading the way in shaping scientific disciplines and addressing pressing global challenges.

"We still have habitats that function as they should, and that’s what gives me hope. Humans are a natural part of these systems, and we have the opportunity to make a real difference. Science is helping us understand and protect our planet, and collaboration is key to achieving lasting change."

Get Involved

To learn more about Leanne’s work and how you can support Project Seagrass, visit: www.projectseagrass.org or explore Seagrass Spotter at seagrassspotter.org.

Project Seagrass has partnered with Coldplay to launch a creative competition, giving participants the chance to win tickets to see Coldplay while supporting seagrass conservation. Submit artwork highlighting ocean conservation for a chance to win. Learn more and apply here.