Winnie Courtene-Jones

Winnie Courtene-Jones is a Lecturer in Marine Pollution at Bangor University, affiliated with the School of Ocean Sciences. Previously, she worked at the University of Plymouth's International Marine Litter Research Unit. Her research focuses on microplastic pollution, its ecological impacts, and interventions to address plastic pollution. She holds a PhD in Microplastics in the deep-sea ecosystem from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (2019), an MRes in Marine Biology from the University of Plymouth (2013), and a BSc in Zoology from Bangor University (2011).

Her research explores plastic pollution in marine and terrestrial environments, including the deep sea, ocean gyres, and agricultural soils. She led the eXXpedition Round the World voyage, studying global microplastic flows, and co-leads the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty's working groups on Microplastics and Alternative Plastics. She actively engages in UN negotiations, policy briefs, and public communication, including appearances at the UK/EU Parliaments and BBC media outlets.

Recent projects include the NERC-funded Bio-Plastic-Risk project examining biodegradable plastics' environmental impacts. She supervises PhD student Allicia Fullarton and has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing environmental sustainability and climate action.