The impact of giving:
Professor Brendan Godley’s story.
Professor Brendan Godley’s story.
Professor Brendan Godley, Strategy Lead for ExeterMarine, shared how donor generosity has been instrumental in expanding the scope and deepening the impact of their research.
“It’s hugely motivating and heartening to know that people outside the academic and scientific communities – outside the traditional funding councils or conservation charities – believe in what we’re doing.” – Professor Brendan Godley.
ExeterMarine is a University of Exeter Research Network which brings together over 400 marine researchers from across all faculties and campuses. It facilitates and promotes marine research, education, and impact, with a clear focus: understanding and solving critical issues facing the marine environment.
What underpins all of this work is the support received from donors. Your generosity has been instrumental in building ExeterMarine’s reputation as a collaborative, solutions-focused research hub.
Brendan shared how supporters are helping to shape the future of marine science. Through research-led education, international outreach programmes, and its small grants scheme, ExeterMarine has been able to support young scientists at the very start of their careers.
Dr Molly Kressler, a student whose career was launched through this funding is working to develop an innovative, low-cost device to collect Environmental DNA – genetic material shed by marine organisms. “It could be a game-changing alternative to traditional water bottle sampling methods, especially in challenging marine environments. This type of affordable technology has the potential to become the new global standard for marine biodiversity monitoring.” – Professor Brendan Godley.
Professor Brendan Godley.
Dr Molly Kressler.
Molly now has a major opportunity through a new contract with the Scottish Government to continue her work. Over six months, the project will test and recommend the best methods for biodiversity sampling, including the use of the new Metaprobe device.
Building on her ExeterMarine grant, which funded her project comparing seawater and Metaprobes sampling for marine vertebrate eDNA in Cornwall, she will bring direct expertise in two of the three methods and strong skills in marine biodiversity research.
Molly will lead the final report, delivering recommendations for using marine biodiversity eDNA in environmental impact assessments for offshore renewables in Scotland.
A PotLight in use inside a creel.
An example of donor-supported research that has led to breakthroughs is bycatch mitigation. Bycatch mitigation is a means of finding ways to reduce the number of unwanted or accidental animals caught when fishing. With donor support from OceanKind and Schmidt Marine Technologies, ExeterMarine partnered with Devon-based FishTek Marine to pioneer bycatch mitigation. Their ground-breaking discovery – that flashing LED lights in static pots can attract scallops – eliminates the need for seabed-damaging dredges. “It’s a remarkable shift in practice – one that led to the nickname ‘Disco Scallops’! That method has now been rolled out in multiple regions across the UK, helping fishers in areas where other fisheries are declining – and allowing scallops to be fair a price.” - Professor Brendan Godley.
Many students come in at the start of their journey and stay with ExeterMarine through to becoming lecturers and leaders themselves. Dr Emily Duncan, a University of Exeter researcher, was chosen for the Forbes “30 Under 30” list of innovators in science and heath across Europe. Emily has studied the impact of plastic pollution on marine life including sea turtles. She began her career with a PhD Studentship supported by alumnus Roger de Freitas (Politics, 1971). Through Roger’s support ExeterMarine has been able to attract additional grants and partnerships from the European Union and the British Government to work in the Southeast Pacific and Southeast Asia. Seeing careers develop like Emily’s – and knowing that our donors helped make that possible – is incredibly special.
Dr Emily Duncan.
“When someone is willing to invest their own money in your work, it reinforces that what you’re doing is worthwhile, important, and making a difference. And it inspires you to do an even better job.”
Professor Brendan Godley.
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