I am a marine biogeographer with an interest in the Polar Regions and completed a PhD in Southern Ocean marine biogeography with the British Antarctic Survey and Open University. I mostly study the animals that live at the bottom of the sea around Antarctica and the Arctic. I also study the potential effects of marine protected areas, climate change, human impacts and pollution on these unique ecosystems. I have worked for the British Antarctic Survey since the year 2000 and have participated in several expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic , studying everything from the intertidal to the deep sea.

I am a passionate believer in science communication and making science more accessible to the public, policy makers and government. In 2020 I won the SCAR Medal for Education and Communication. I regularly present our work to the media, schools, open days and special events and have written two plain language advice documents for the Antarctic Environments Portal and am an author on both United Nations World Ocean Assessments. I also worked with BBC Earth on Blue Planet II and was a scientific advisor to  Frozen Planet II.

I am a member of the SCAR Expert Group on Antarctic Biodiversity Information, the international steering committee of ANTABIF (Antarctic Biodiversity Information Facility) and a SCAR Delegate to the governing board, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). I am a member of the steering committee for the Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean (MEASO). I am an editor of the The SCAR Biogeographic Atlas of the Southern Ocean and was the co-chair and theme leader for Spatial Ecology of the SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) scientific research programme AntEco (State of the Antarctic Ecosystem).

Within BAS I have played a leading role within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sphere and serving as a committee member for the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI), a member of the BAS EDI Network and I co-organised the Polar Horizons Programme for early career researchers from underrepresented groups.

Research interests

• Biodiversity of polar marine organisms
• Large-scale biogeographic and ecological patterns in space and time.
• Using model groups to investigate trends in distribution at high southern latitudes.
• Utilising large biological and physical databases to understand key processes in the Antarctic.
• Life under Antarctic ice shelves
• Plastic pollution in Polar Regions
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Polar Research

Publications from NERC Open Research Archive

2025

Khan, Tasnuva Ming ORCID record for Khan, Tasnuva Ming. Whittle, Rowan J. ORCID record for Whittle, Rowan J.. Witts, James D. Griffiths, Huw ORCID record for Griffiths, Huw. Manica, Andrea. Mitchell, Emily G. (2025) Metacommunity structural changes of Antarctic benthic invertebrates over the late Maastrichtian.

• Trotter, C., Griffiths, H., Khan, T., Purser, A., & Whittle, R. (2025). The Weddell Sea Benthic Dataset: A computer vision-ready object detection dataset for in situ benthic biodiversity monitoring model development (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/1ba97e4b-efb7-460b-9f2d-90437e33ce09

• Khan, T., Griffiths, H., Whittle, R., Stephenson, N., Delahooke, K., Purser, A., Manica, A., & Mitchell, E. (2025). Organisms identified from OFOBS images from PS118 Profiles 6_9 (Weddell Sea) and 69 (Powell Basin), April – May 2019 (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/7fb2f0c1-413c-4cd6-84ab-a504bf431290

• Khan, T., Whittle, R., Witts, J., Griffiths, H., Manica, A., & Mitchell, E. (2025). Invertebrate fossil occurrences from the Cretaceous Lopez de Bertodano Formation (Maastrichtian), Seymour Island, housed in the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), Ithaca, NY (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/c1252fb5-8075-431c-a78b-1c1d8da37c5e

• Trotter, C., Griffiths, H., Khan, T., & Whittle, R. (2025). Automated detection of Antarctic benthic organisms in high-resolution in situ imagery to aid biodiversity monitoring: optimal model weights (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/b2874f3f-285d-4ae6-9bb4-6bfe3eacbfff

• Kuerzel, K., Linse, K., Brandt, A., Brenke, N., Enderlein, P., Griffiths, H., Kaiser, S., Svavarsson, J., Loerz, A., Frutos, I., Taylor, J., & Brix, S. (2023). Pan-Atlantic comparison of deep-water macrobenthos diversity collected by epibenthic sledge sampling and analysis of patterns and environmental drivers. (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/58080f33-884c-4e13-a419-c00cf1bab6a6

• Hogg, O., Huevenne, V., Griffiths, H., Dorschel, B., & Linse, K. (2017). A Bathymetric Compilation of South Georgia, 1985-2015 (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://data.bas.ac.uk/full-record.php?id=GB/NERC/BAS/PDC/01037

• Griffiths, H. (2005). Southern Ocean Mollusc Database (SOMBASE) (Version 1.0) [Data set]. NERC EDS UK Polar Data Centre. https://data.bas.ac.uk/full-record.php?id=GB/NERC/BAS/PDC/00068

2. The evolution and ecology of Antarctic sea floor communities

   Antarctic seafloor ecosystems are both unique and fragile. Studying their past and present gives us valuable insights into how climate change may reshape them.

   Read more of: The evolution and ecology of Antarctic sea floor communities

   

3. Darwin Plus SO Red Listing

   The first Red List for Antarctic and Subantarctic marine molluscs, for the British Antarctic Territory, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, funded by Darwin Plus.

   Read more of: Darwin Plus SO Red Listing

   

4. Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

   BIOPOLE studies how climate change is affecting the release of nutrients from the polar regions, and their redistribution around the world’s oceans.

   Read more of: Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

   

5. Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative – Key outcomes

   A series of events and activities to raise awareness of opportunities in UK Polar Science

   Read more of: Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative – Key outcomes

   

6. Plastic Policy

   BAS researchers play leading roles within the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) as chair and members of the Plastic Action Group, a group which aims to assess the current […]

   Read more of: Plastic Policy

   

7. Larsen-C Benthos

   The Larsen-C Benthos project studied benthic biodiversity on the seabed exposed by the 2017 calving of the Larsen-C Ice Shelf.

   Read more of: Larsen-C Benthos

   

8. Impact of Plastic in the Polar Regions

   This project investigated plastic pollution across Arctic and Antarctic environments. Scientists collected water, ice, and sediment samples to quantify macro and microplastic pollution, track its sources, and assess its impact on polar wildlife.

   Read more of: Impact of Plastic in the Polar Regions

   

9. SO-AntEco Biodiversity

   In this collaboration with the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the University of Liverpool, we have developed novel methods for using existing data to contribute to marine conservation and fisheries […]

   Read more of: SO-AntEco Biodiversity

   

10. Managing South Orkney’s seafloor communities

    SO-AntEco was a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) led expedition undertaken in conjunction with an international team of scientists from the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) AntEco research programme.

    Read more of: Managing South Orkney’s seafloor communities

    

1. Breaking records and exploring life in the abyss

   We are on board to test the RRS Sir David Attenborough’s deep sea sampling capabilities and to collect samples for the BIOPOLE project.

   Read more of: Breaking records and exploring life in the abyss

   

2. First science: aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough Science Trials

   The RRS Sir David Attenborough has begun its polar science trials in Antarctica. A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff are working on the ship […]

   Read more of: First science: aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough Science Trials

   

3. Blog: Hunting for microplastics in the high Arctic

   Huw Griffiths works in the Biodiversity Team at British Antarctic Survey. As he completes fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic with colleagues Cath Waller (University of Hull) and Steve Roberts (BAS), […]

   Read more of: Blog: Hunting for microplastics in the high Arctic

   

4. Carrying the PRIDE message to the Polar Regions

   Huw Griffiths is a polar research scientist with British Antarctic Survey. During June PRIDE month he shares his personal experience of research as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the […]

   Read more of: Carrying the PRIDE message to the Polar Regions

   

5. Reflections on Black History Month and lessons for the Polar Research community

   Black History Month recognises and celebrates the achievements of people with African or Caribbean heritage and takes place every October (in the UK). It marks the contributions of Black people […]

   Read more of: Reflections on Black History Month and lessons for the Polar Research community

   

6. Carrying the PRIDE message to the Polar Regions

   BAS marine biogeographer Dr Huw Griffiths talks about the importance of diverse role models. He is hopeful that existing and future polar scientists will see that being yourself and being different are no barrier to working in the most extreme environments on Earth, and can be a real asset as a scientist.

   Read more of: Carrying the PRIDE message to the Polar Regions

   

7. Carrying the PRIDE message to the ends of the earth

   BLOG. Biologist Huw Griffiths shares his personal experience of research as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

   Read more of: Carrying the PRIDE message to the ends of the earth

   

8. ANTARCTIC BLOG: preparation is everything

   As the days count down towards departure the dreams about forgetting my passport at the airport become more frequent. My office in Cambridge is a long way from the Antarctic […]

   Read more of: ANTARCTIC BLOG: preparation is everything

   

1. Sea change: new blueprint for Southern Ocean

   More than 200 scientists, including several from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), from 19 countries have released the first comprehensive assessment of trends in Southern Ocean ecosystems, in a report written specifically for policy makers.

   Read more of: Sea change: new blueprint for Southern Ocean

   

2. Warming and acidification threatens organisms

   Global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms, such as corals, bryozoans, molluscs, sea urchins or crustaceans, that build their skeletons and shells with calcium carbonate (chalk) according to […]

   Read more of: Warming and acidification threatens organisms

   

3. Learning about the first animals from life at the poles

   The amazing survival strategies of polar marine creatures might help to explain how the first animals on Earth could have evolved earlier than the oldest fossils suggest according to new […]

   Read more of: Learning about the first animals from life at the poles

   

4. BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television

   In 2011, Frozen Planet gave BBC viewers an unprecedented insight into life in the Poles. The final episode featured British Antarctic Survey (BAS) glaciologist Dr Andy Smith using explosives to […]

   Read more of: BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television

   

5. Creating a more inclusive workspace in UK polar science

   The first observations from the Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative (DiPSI) describes the efforts required to create a more inclusive workplace in UK polar science. The editorial is published […]

   Read more of: Creating a more inclusive workspace in UK polar science

   

6. Discovery of life beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves

   Far underneath the ice shelves of the Antarctic, there’s more life than expected, finds a recent study in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, published this week (15 February 2021). […]

   Read more of: Discovery of life beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves

   

7. The first Polar Pride

   Today (18 November) marks the first Polar Pride – a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQ+ people in the overseas territories including British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia & the […]

   Read more of: The first Polar Pride

   

8. Celebrating Black History month: Dr Melissa Burt

   As Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at Colorado State university and an Atmospheric Scientist, Dr Melissa Burt talks of her different roles in science and diversity #BlackHistoryMonth #WomeninSTEM #BAMEinSTEM

   Read more of: Celebrating Black History month: Dr Melissa Burt

   

9. Dr Huw Griffiths awarded SCAR Medal for Education and Communication

   Please join us in congratulating Dr Huw Griffiths, Marine Biogeographer at British Antarctic Survey, who has been awarded the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Medal for Education and Communication. […]

   Read more of: Dr Huw Griffiths awarded SCAR Medal for Education and Communication

   

10. Pride Day declared on 18 November

    The Government of the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) celebrate the contribution of LGBTQ+ people by declaring 18 November […]

    Read more of: Pride Day declared on 18 November

    

11. Invading species ‘hitches a ride’ on kelp to reach Antarctica

    Large brown seaweed can bring invasive species to Antarctica, according to research published today (31 January 2020) in the journal Scientific Reports. The new study describes the first scientific evidence […]

    Read more of: Invading species ‘hitches a ride’ on kelp to reach Antarctica

    

12. Expedition to Larsen C ice shelf thwarted by sea ice

    Sea-ice conditions have prevented the Research Icebreaker Polarstern from reaching the Larsen Ice Shelf and the calving areas of iceberg A68.

    Read more of: Expedition to Larsen C ice shelf thwarted by sea ice

    

13. Expedition heads to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

    An international team of scientists heads to Antarctica this week (4 February 2019) to investigate a mysterious marine ecosystem that’s been hidden beneath an Antarctic ice shelf for up to […]

    Read more of: Expedition heads to newly exposed Antarctic ecosystem

    

14. More losers than winners for Southern Ocean marine life

    A new study of the marine invertebrates living in the seas around Antarctica reveals there will be more ‘losers’ than ‘winners’ over the next century as the Antarctic seafloor warms.  […]

    Read more of: More losers than winners for Southern Ocean marine life

    

15. Plastic pollution in the Antarctic worse than expected

    The levels of microplastic particles accumulating in the Antarctic are much worse than expected, a team of experts has warned. The continent is considered to be a pristine wilderness compared […]

    Read more of: Plastic pollution in the Antarctic worse than expected

    

16. Biological sampling gear

    Discovering ocean life

    Read more of: Biological sampling gear

    

17. NEWS STORY: BAS at leading fossil festival

    British Antarctic Survey exhibits at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival Staff from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are displaying some amazing Antarctic fossil and biological collections at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: BAS at leading fossil festival

    

18. PRESS RELEASE: Antarctic crabs could be native

    A new study has cast doubt on the claim that crabs may have disappeared from Antarctica only to return due to warming seas. The theory surfaced two years ago following […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Antarctic crabs could be native

    

19. 2011 Laws Prizes awarded to young BAS scientists

    Every year the Laws Prize Committee, chaired by Professor John Croxall CBE FRS, tries to select the most outstanding young scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. This year the choice […]

    Read more of: 2011 Laws Prizes awarded to young BAS scientists

    

20. PRESS RELEASE: Census of Marine Life

    Event: A Decade of Discovery: Census of Marine Life — News Conference Venue: Royal Institution, London Date: Monday 4 October: 12.30 – 16.30 Findings from a major international investigation into […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Census of Marine Life

    

21. PRESS RELEASE: Diversity of marine species detailed

    Understanding global climate change through new breakthroughs in Polar research The latest findings from research on Antarctica’s rich marine life are presented this week at the American Association for the […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: Diversity of marine species detailed

    

22. Census finds identical species in Arctic and Antarctic

    Earth’s unique, forbidding ice oceans of the Arctic and Antarctic have revealed a trove of secrets to Census of Marine Life explorers, who were especially surprised to find at least […]

    Read more of: Census finds identical species in Arctic and Antarctic

    

• International steering committee member, Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean (MEASO)
• Member, SCAR Expert Group on Antarctic Biodiversity Information
• Steering committee member, Diversity in UK Polar Science Initiative
• International steering committee member, ANTABIF (Antarctic Biodiversity Information Facility)
• SCAR Delegate to the governing board, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• Editor, SCAR Biogeographic Atlas of the Southern Ocean
• Former co-chair and theme leader for Spatial Ecology, SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) scientific research programme AntEco (State of the Antarctic Ecosystem)