Michael Burrows

Michael Burrows is a Professor and Marine Ecologist at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). He is a leading researcher in marine ecology, focusing on the impacts of climate change on intertidal and coastal ecosystems. His work spans individual organism behavior to ecosystem-level modeling, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity, kelp forests, and marine heatwaves.

His research interests include:

• Scaling ecological processes from individuals to ecosystems
• Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity
• Marine heatwaves and extreme ocean events
• Ecological modeling and forecasting
• Conservation of rocky shore and kelp forest ecosystems
• Blue carbon and biogeochemical cycles

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on climate-driven biodiversity turnover, kelp population dynamics, Arctic coastal research, and the societal implications of ocean extremes. He frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Nature, Nature Climate Change, and Trends in Ecology & Evolution.

Scientific contributions and recognition:

• H-index of 56 (Scopus)
• Over 19,000 citations
• 205 research outputs, including 169 articles
• Active contributor to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly climate action and life below water

Burrows is actively involved in advising and public engagement. He has participated in numerous workshops, public lectures, and media appearances, and has served on government advisory panels related to marine environmental status. He has supervised multiple research students and contributes to peer review and collaborative research networks globally. He is also a key member of the SAMS UHI Energy Innovation Team, linking ecological research with energy and sustainability initiatives.

He is associated with the following labs and teams:

• Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
• SAMS UHI Energy Innovation Team
• International collaborations on Arctic and coastal biodiversity
• Marine heatwave research networks