Tim Smyth

Head of Science: Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations at Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Dr Tim Smyth is the Head of Science for Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations at PML. This involves leading a team of around 20 people ranging from PhD students to experienced senior scientists across a range of disciplines from air-sea exchange, nutrient cycling to molecular science within the broad remit of marine biogeochemistry. His brief also includes oversight of the Atlantic Meridional Transect (AMT) as well as the Western Channel Observatory (WCO: both NERC National Capability) which he has been leading for the past decade.

Since joining PML in 1997 as a data analyst and algorithm developer for the then newly launched SeaWiFS ocean colour satellite, his research interests have broadly encompassed theoretical and experimental atmospheric and in-water optics. He has a strong interest in developing innovative technologies for automated marine measurements including the WCO buoys, ship emissions and atmospheric aerosols.

He has around 280 days of sea-going experience including being Chief Scientist on two Atlantic Meridional Transect (2014, 2015) expeditions between the UK and Falkland Islands.

He has over eighty peer-reviewed ISI papers.

Education:

• BSc. (Hons) Class I: Physics and Meteorology. University of Reading (1991 – 1994)
• PhD: “Precipitation measurements in convective storms using multiparameter radar”. University of Reading (1997)