Past, Present and Future of Oceanography
Symposium held in honor of Scripps Director Margaret Leinen
A special symposium honoring Margaret Leinen, director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, and her contributions to the field of oceanography was held at the Scripps Seaside Forum on May 12, 2025.
The symposium covered topics that have inspired Leinen from the beginning of her career through today, including paleoceanography, marine carbon dioxide removal, and the future of ocean advocacy. Keynote speakers discussed changes in the field of oceanography in the last decades, how changes in thinking about the role of science in the U.S. have evolved, the role of scientific societies and how major science efforts are developed and supported, and where the field of oceanography is headed.
Opening session
Keynote talk by Rick Spinrad, former National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration administrator, and science talks on seafloor sediment by Gisela Winckler, Tim Herbert, and Evan Solomon.
Morning Panel Discussion
Panel discussion on seafloor sediment with Winckler, Herbert and Solomon, joined by Dick Norris and Richard Murray and moderated by Chris Charles. With video tributes.
Science talks on ocean carbon
Science talks on ocean carbon uptake and verification by Jess Adkins, Joellen Russell, and David Ho. Panel discussion with Adkins, Russell and Ho, joined by Lisa Levin and moderated by David Victor.
Keynote talks, student panel, concluding keynote
Keynote talks by F. Fleming Crim, chemist and former deputy director of the National Science Foundation, and Chris McEntee, former CEO of the American Geophysical Union, followed by a student panel moderated by Jillian Maloney and a concluding keynote by Rita Colwell, former National Science Foundation director. Margaret Leinen offers concluding remarks.
About Scripps Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world’s most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we embrace a culture of exploration and experimentation. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to look deeper, challenge expectations and redefine conventional wisdom. As one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at ucsd.edu.