Devon professor named world inspiration

Local hero makes global list

A familiar face from Plymouth University has joined the ranks of global icons.

Professor Richard Thompson has recently been named as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of the year, along stars like Ed Sheeran, Serena Williams and even Snoop Dogg.

Professor Thompson, who heads the international Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, has been recognised for his pivotal research into the global plastics crisis.

His pioneering work led to the very term "microplastics," which he coined after noticing the alarming prevalence of tiny plastic fragments during a seemingly ordinary morning observing barnacles in local tide pools back in 1993.

Leaving Nottingham in his 20s to pursue his passion for marine biology, Professor Thompson has become a key figure in the UK's marine science community, based in Plymouth.

His early observations on our coastline sparked a global movement to understand the pervasive nature of these microscopic pollutants, now found everywhere from the atmosphere to our own bodies.

While initially involved in beach cleanups, Professor Thompson's focus has shifted towards the root of the problem. He has become a powerful voice advocating for policy change, directly influencing global politics with his research. A notable example is his significant contribution to the UK's ban on microbeads in cosmetics.

Bill McKibben, author and environmentalist, told TIME “That Richard’s pioneering research to pushing for policy change has been pivotal to efforts to protect the ocean, and us all."

Professor Thompson's recognition on TIME's prestigious list not only celebrates his individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on the vital research being conducted at Plymouth University, reinforcing our city's role in tackling some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.