Rob Upstill-Goddard

Professor Rob Upstill-Goddard has been chair of Marine Biogeochemistry Newcastle University since 2004 and is currently a Director of Research Expertise in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.  Rob’s current research focuses on evaluating the environmental controls of air–sea gas transfer, especially the role of surfactants in the sea-surface microlayer, and the biogeochemical cycling and air-sea exchange of methane and nitrous oxide.

Rob graduated in Environmental Sciences from Lancaster University and did an MSc in Oceanography at Southampton before completing a PhD in marine biogeochemistry at the University of Leeds.  Prior to joining Newcastle University as a lecturer in 1993 Rob held post-doctoral positions at the University of Cambridge and at UEA, with the latter being based at the Marine Biological Association and subsequently PML.

During his career Rob has led several research cruises, held more than 20 external research grants, supervised around 20 PhD students, developed Oceanography teaching at Newcastle and served on a number of NERC and other scientific committees.

Rob took up the position of President of the Society in September 2018.

Latest News

Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition 2025

Please see a message from the Royal Society below:

We are delighted to announce that the 2025 Competition is now open for entries until 15 August for a chance to win £1000! The competition celebrates the power of photography in conveying the wonder of science happening all around us and photographs can be submitted in the categories of: Astronomy, Behaviour, Earth Science and Climatology, Ecology and Environmental Science, and Microimaging.

The competition is free to enter and open to anyone studying or working in science at graduate level or above. Category winners will receive a one-year membership to the Royal Photographic Society and the overall winner will receive a grand prize of £1,000. Find out more: https://bit.ly/RSPphotocomp

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October 2025 MEDIN Workshop: Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset

The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next occurrence of our popular free online training workshop: ‘Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset’ on the 13th – 17th October 2025 on OceanTeacher Global Academy.

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Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset

The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) and OceanWise are delighted to invite you to attend our popular free online training workshop: ‘Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset’ on the 19th – 23rd of May 2025.

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