Professor David Thomas

My main academic interests include: Antarctic, Arctic and Baltic sea ice ecology & biogeochemistry; Role of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems and land-ocean transitions; Inorganic nutrients & phytoplankton primary production; Industrial-scale microalgal biomass production & utilisation; Seaweed & halophyte ecology & physiology; Conveying science to non-specialist audiences; Connections between science & art.
My work is international in scope (worked & lived - apart from UK - in Germany for 7 years; Finland for 2.5 years; Denmark 10 months; Israel for 6 months).



Since the award of my PhD in 1988 I have:

  • Participated in 14 research-cruises of between 2 weeks and 3 months: Southern Ocean (6), Arctic (2), North Sea (5) & North East Atlantic (1).
  • I have conducted other fieldwork in the Baltic Sea (Finland & Sweden), Red Sea (Israel & Egypt) & White Sea (Russia), The Philippines, Vietnam & Wales.
  • I have also led teams of between 10 and 20 scientists in 4 large-scale facility ice tank experiments in Hamburg (≈30 days each).

Latest News

The oceans, the blue economy and implications for climate change event

The oceans, the blue economy and implications for climate change
Date:  29 November 2023, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Speaker:  Rupert Howes, Joanna Post, Dr John Siddorn, Dr Siva Thambisetty, Professor Elizabeth Robinson, Dr Darian McBain
Venue:  Sheikh Zayed Theatre, Cheng Kin Ku Building, LSE Campus and online

Many conversations about sustainability and climate-change focus on activities on land – the green part of our planet. This misses a vital part of the puzzle, the role that our oceans play.

Read More


Ocean and Coastal Futures - Bursary

As part of our commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, Ocean and Coastal Futures is launching its first Coastal Futures Bursary in partnership with Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. This opportunity is open for young people aged 18 to 30 years old, who are currently underrepresented in the marine and coastal sector and face financial barriers to attending. Individuals do not have to be working or studying in the sector currently but must reside in the UK.

Read More


CLASS Modelling Workshop 2024

The CLASS Programme is hosting a Modelling Workshop in early 2024. This is aimed at UK participants only. Event details and criteria to sign up are available here.

Read More