The California Academy of Sciences has named MBARI Senior Scientist Kelly Benoit-Bird a 2026 Fellow, recognizing her contributions to the field of marine ecology to advance the Academy’s mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

MBARI has named Lisa Levin—distinguished professor emerita at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego—the 2026 David Packard Distinguished Lecturer. This award celebrates Levin’s extensive contributions to advancing deep-sea science and policy.

Last week, MBARI researchers participated in the OCEANS 2026 Monterey conference, sharing their latest research and technology with peers from around the world. Hosted by the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society and co-organized by several MBARI staff, this conference brought together more than 1,100 maritime professionals to discuss new developments in marine science and engineering.

The Marine Technology Society has named MBARI Outgoing President and CEO/Senior Scientist Chris Scholin the 2026 MTS Fellow. Presented at the society’s annual meeting today, this award recognizes his leadership in advancing technology for observing ecosystem processes in a dynamic ocean.

Postdoctoral researchers make significant contributions to scientific discovery and technology innovation. MBARI’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports early-career scientists and engineers who are developing innovative solutions to challenges in ocean science, technology, and conservation.

This week, MBARI President and CEO Antje Boetius and Postdoctoral Fellow Guillaume Liniger, one of the inaugural Neptune Fellows, participated in the Polar Oceans Challenge, a New York Climate Week event hosted by Mission Neptune and the Explorers Club to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustained research in polar regions.