Professor Mel Austen
Biography
Prof Mel Austen is Professor of Ocean and Society at the University of Plymouth where she is also Director of its Centre for Systems Thinking: Ocean, Land and Society. She leads and undertakes collaborative transdisciplinary marine research and training for sustainable outcomes across the blue economy in the UK and internationally.
Previous roles include Head of Science at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) leading the Sea and Society science area; Chief Scientist to the Marine Management Organisation; independent member of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and member of the Natural Capital Committee.
She is Chair of the Partnership of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in North Devon, UK.
Non-executive board member
Non-executive board members of Natural England have collective responsibility for the strategic direction and overall performance of the organisation. They make sure that Natural England is properly and effectively managed and provide stewardship for the public funds entrusted to the organisation.