Three new professors in marine biology
The Department of Marine Sciences has been awarded three new professorships in marine biology: Gunilla Toth, Ann Larsson and Rhian Waller. All three are based at the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory.
“It always feels good to be recognized for your hard work, but it’s all the more special to be recognized alongside two other strong and well deserving women,” says Rhian Waller.
Rhian Waller is a deep-sea ecologist, working primarily with corals, in deep- and cold-water coral ecosystems below 100m depth. Rhian Waller is promoted to professor of marine biodiversity.
“My research is mainly global in nature, currently in Swedish waters in the Bratten Marine Protected Area, but also spanning both the Atlantic, Pacific and Antarctic, looking at reproduction, development and biodiversity in these important habitat forming species,” says Rhian Waller.
Focus on corals and macroalgae
Ann Larsson conducts research in biohydrodynamics, i.e. how water movements affect organisms and ecological interactions in the sea. She has also worked on several projects involving the cold-water coral lophelia pertusa, and the restoration of cold-water coral reefs.
Ann Larsson is promoted to professor of biologi with a focus on marine ecology.
“I do feel proud. I didn’t grow up in an academic environment, so on a personal level this is a big thing,” she says.
“It’s also special that three women are becoming professors at the same time, and that we work at the same department and at Tjärnö. That makes it even more fun.”
Gunilla Toth’s research focuses on seaweeds and their role as foundation species in coastal ecosystems, particularly how seaweeds respond to environmental stress. A central theme is chemical ecology: how seaweeds use chemical traits to defend themselves and interact with other organisms. Gunilla Toth is promoted to professor of marine ecology with a focus on marine chemical ecology.
“It feels both joyful and humbling. Becoming a professor is not a finish line, but rather a new starting point with greater responsibility. I am proud to represent a field that is so central to the future of our oceans and society,” says Gunilla Toth.
What is the next step?
“The next step is to continue diving into the deep sea, to teach and do exciting research,” says Rhian Waller.
“I want to further strengthen research and education in seaweed biology, restoration and aquaculture. A key ambition is to develop new interdisciplinary projects and training environments where students and early-career researchers can work at the interface between fundamental science and real-world solutions for the ocean,” says Gunilla Toth.
“I’ll continue with my research and teaching, and I’ll also be applying for funding for new projects," says Ann Larsson.
Text: Annika Wall
