meet the team

Behind every successful conservation project is a team of dedicated scientists, researchers, and supporters. Meet the people driving our mission to protect penguins, seals, seabirds, and polar wildlife through innovative research and global collaboration.

Tom Hart

Founder, Co-founder, Advisor
Penguin Watch
Seabird Watch
Arctic Bears Project
Seal Watch
Oxford Brookes University
Dr Tom Hart is a question-driven ecologist exploring how environmental change shapes animal behaviour and ecosystems.
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Laure Cugnière

Research Project Manager
Penguin Watch
Seabird Watch
Oxford Brookes University
Laure is a skilled project manager with a passion for turning research into real-world impact.
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Mark Jessopp

Co-founder
Seabird Watch
University College Cork
Mark is a seabird ecologist pioneering remote sensing to turn data into decisive conservation action.
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What people have to say

"Daily volunteering post-school taught me the value of consistent effort and charity work."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"Volunteering for Seabird Watch was enriching; making over 2000 classifications has hopefully aided the study of Round Island petrels."
High School Student
"SPEAK members cherish the opportunity to contribute to large-scale research projects like Penguin Watch and Sea-Bird Watch."
School Club Member
"Thanks for your support during my Duke of Edinburgh; I've enjoyed contributing to Penguin Watch and plan to continue."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"This volunteering stint has been a profound learning experience about penguin behaviour and scientific research."
Volunteer Candidate
"Completing my volunteer classifications felt impactful, adding a fun element to your important research."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"Contributing to Penguin Watch was educational and enjoyable; it's sparked a deeper interest in studying computer vision."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"This experience has been enlightening on the ecological roles of penguins and the threats they face."
Citizen Scientist
"Working on this project has been a great learning curve about penguins, boosting my interest in ongoing conservation efforts."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"I appreciated learning about penguins and their life stages through this engaging citizen science project."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"Finding Penguin Watch was a lifesaver during the pandemic, allowing me to fulfil my volunteering requirements safely at home."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"My son discovered a new fascination with penguins through this project, and we're exploring further involvement."
Parent of Volunteer
"Thank you for supporting my Duke of Edinburgh journey; counting penguins has been an incredible part of it."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"Counting penguins was enlightening; the experience has deepened my appreciation for these creatures. I'm eager to contribute further."
High School Student
"This volunteering stint has been an eye-opener into the world of penguins, enhancing my knowledge significantly."
School Volunteer
"Even after completing his required hours, my son continues his penguin counts enthusiastically."
Parent of Volunteer
"My Penguin Watch sessions were educational; I learnt much about penguin species."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"Volunteering has taught me much about penguin conservation and has been a truly rewarding experience."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"Counting penguins for the project was a privilege. The stunning images made my contribution feel significant."
Duke of Edinburgh Participant
"As the new head of our Marine Biology Department, I'm eager for my students to engage more deeply with your Citizen Science Research Project."
High School Teacher, CA
"PenguinWatch not only excited my students about data analysis but also brought real Antarctic research into our classroom. It's been transformative."
High School Teacher, MA
"Enthralled by Tom Hart's talks on the Plancius, I'm keen to ensure his penguin research continues to receive adequate funding."
Contributor
"Volunteering online with Penguin Watch during lockdown was crucial and incredibly engaging."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate

Get Involved & Make a Difference

Our research informs action, but we rely on your support.
Your gift empowers conservation efforts to safeguard these incredible creatures.

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