Lisa Levin

Lisa Levin is a Distinguished Professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, and a leading marine ecologist specializing in deep-sea ecosystems. Her work focuses on benthic ecosystems' structure, function, and vulnerability under climate change, including oxygen depletion, ocean acidification, and human impacts. She has conducted over 45 oceanographic expeditions and served as Chief Scientist on many, contributing to over 275 scientific publications.

Levin holds academic leadership roles, including co-leading the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) and the Deep Ocean Observing Strategy (DOOS). She advises on ecosystem-based management of deep-sea resources, integrating science into global policy frameworks like the UNFCCC COPs and IPCC reports. Her research spans methane seeps, ferromanganese hardgrounds, and wetland restoration, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to conservation and climate resilience.

Levin has received prestigious honors: Redfield Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), Prince Albert I Grand Medal (2019), and fellowships from AAAS and AGU. She advocates for equitable governance of deep-sea resources, comparing environmental impacts of land vs. seabed mining and shaping policies to protect biodiversity while addressing climate challenges.