Thursday 26 February 2026
18:00 - 19:00 (GMT)
Register Here
Are you concerned about rising sea levels, plastic pollution, and the loss of marine biodiversity — or inspired by the global efforts, innovations, and community action working to restore and protect our blue planet?
Alumna Francesca Trotman will share insights from over 15 years in marine conservation and her work with Love The Oceans in Mozambique. She will explore holistic approaches to conservation, emerging skills gaps in the sector, and the vital role of community engagement and local voices in protecting our oceans. Francesca will also reflect on how her time at Southampton shaped her career, while examining the challenges, opportunities and ethical considerations shaping the future of marine conservation.
Event details:
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: 18:00 – 19:00 GMT
Location: Online
The event will include a live Q&A where you can ask your questions - or you can email them in advance by clicking here.
Whether you’re passionate about marine conservation, work in an environmental field, curious about how we can better protect our oceans, or simply want to hear from one of our outstanding alumni, this event is a must‑attend.
Register Here
 |
Francesca Trotman - Guest speaker
Francesca is the Managing Director and Founder of Love The Oceans, a marine conservation charity working to establish a marine protected area through a holistic approach in Mozambique. An avid diver for over 15 years Francesca’s a passionate ocean advocate, with a special interest in fisheries. Results orientated, Francesca constantly encourages people to consider conservation in everyday life and take a greener approach to modern living. She oversees the majority of the programs in country and spends her time split between the UK and Mozambique. She does talks on behalf of Love The Oceans and their work around the globe and is the recipient of the Ocean Award in the Young Initiative category. She graduated from University of Southampton with a MSci in Marine Biology and recently received their Rising Star Alumni award in recognition of her work with Love The Oceans. Francesca is currently completing her PhD remotely with Newcastle University. She is a member of University of Leeds' Biology Advisory Board, mentors students through their Biomentor program and is a One Young World Ambassador.
|
 |
Professor Simon Kemp - Host
Simon is an award-winning academic recognised for his student-focused work in ESD and employability through the Times Higher Education ‘Most Innovative Teacher of Year’, a National Teaching Fellowship, and the Green Gowns ‘Sustainability Professional of the Year’ awards amongst others. He is the University Lead in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as part of the Southampton Sustainability Strategy where he is responsible for the embedding of sustainable development across the whole of the university curricula and student experience. He also set up and runs the ‘Meliora’ Student Sustainability Research Symposium and Journal programme.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend this event in person?
This event is being held online only.
Will the lecture be recorded?
Yes, the recording link will be sent to everyone who registers for the event a week before the event. Only attendees attending the live broadcast can participate in the Q&A - and anyone who participates in the Q&A has the option to ask their question anonymously. You are welcome to ask questions ahead of the Q&A by sending them in advance to events@soton.ac.uk.
Can I forward the registration link onto a friend/colleague?
Yes - this event is available to all.
What should I do if I can no longer attend?
If you cannot watch the live broadcast - you will still receive the recording - so do not need to cancel your ticket in that instance. If you no longer wish to attend or receive the recording, please email us at events@soton.ac.uk.
By registering, you agree to follow the University of Southampton Alumni & Supporter Code of Conduct.
Thank you for providing your data to the University of Southampton’s Development and Alumni Relations Team. We are committed to protecting your data and privacy. We collect, store and use your data to develop engaging events, services and activities, that enrich your current or future experiences with us. You can read more about what we do with your data in our privacy notice.
By providing us with your email address, we will use it to contact you in regards to this event. We will not add you to our other email communication lists; if you are already a subscriber to one or more of our emails, this will remain unchanged.