Pennie Lindeque

Professor Pennie Lindeque serves as Head of Science for Marine Ecology and Biodiversity at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and holds an honorary Professorship at the University of Exeter's Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. A world-leading marine scientist, she pioneers research on anthropogenic pollutants—particularly microplastics—and their impacts on marine ecosystems, developing innovative molecular analytical techniques to inform policy solutions.

Her research spans environmental pollutant dynamics, marine biodiversity assessment, and nature-based conservation strategies. She investigates microplastic pathways through marine food webs, develops novel detection methodologies, and explores ecological restoration approaches, with work directly influencing UK and global plastic pollution policies including the microbead ban in cosmetics.

Professor Lindeque's scientific recognition includes:

• Blue Planet Prize (2023)
• Volvo Environment Prize (2022)
• NERC Societal Impact Award (2018)
• World’s Most Highly Cited Researchers in Environment and Ecology (2019-2024)

She currently supervises 6 PhD students across multiple UK universities while leading major NERC-funded projects including BIO-PLASTIC-RISK and Tyre-Loss. Her research group at PML maintains active international collaborations through GCRF funding and committee memberships including the North Atlantic Microplastic Centre and ICES Working Groups. Media engagement features prominently in her work, with contributions to Blue Planet II, award-winning documentaries, and parliamentary policy briefings.