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Martyna Syposz

she/her

Behavioural scientist, DPhil, Fellow

University of Gdansk

Discipline

Behaviour, Community Ecology, Reproductive Biology & Life History, Migration & Movement Ecology

Regional Focus

Skomer Island in Wales; Hornsund in Spitsbergen

Years Active

6-10 years

Species Focus

Auks (Alcidae), Petrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae)

Tell us about your work with seabirds.

I am a postdoctoral researcher studying how environmental change and human activities affect seabirds, including light pollution, plastic pollution and climate change.. My research currently focuses on Arctic species, particularly the Little Auk, using biologging, behavioural analysis, and statistical modelling to understand migration, breeding phenology, and responses to climate change. I also work on light pollution and its impacts on seabird navigation and survival. In my role, I design and lead research projects, analyse large movement and behavioural datasets, supervise students, and collaborate internationally. Alongside research, I am active in science communication, peer review, and editorial work, aiming to translate ecological research into conservation-relevant insights.

What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?

Seabird science is often underappreciated and full of contradictions. You must be comfortable working in harsh field conditions, yet also enjoy spending long hours coding and analysing data. You need to like teaching, public speaking, and presenting your work, but also be happy spending days alone quietly observing birds. The work is demanding and requires self-awareness knowing whether you truly enjoy this mix of physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. Recognition is limited; you are rarely seen as a classic scientist. This career is for people driven by deep passion and love for nature without it, look elsewhere.

Martyna Syposz

Martyna wearing a grey jacket and smiling in front of background on Isle of Rum

Email:

Website:

Twitter:

@martyna_syposz

Instagram:

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