Starmus La Palma
Jane Lubchenco, born on December 4, 1947, is an American environmental scientist and marine ecologist. She is a University Distinguished Professor at Oregon State University, where she focuses on the interactions between the environment and human well-being, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable use of oceans. Lubchenco served as the Administrator of NOAA from 2009 to 2013 and was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021 as the deputy director for Climate and Environment in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Jane Lubchenco has made significant contributions to marine ecology and environmental science. She is renowned for her pioneering work in intertidal ecology, where she developed experimental approaches and quantitative methods1. Her research has focused on the interactions between marine organisms and their environments, particularly the role of herbivores in shaping community structure on rocky shores.
Lubchenco has also been a strong advocate for the use of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to conserve marine biodiversity and sustain fisheries2. Her work has demonstrated the ecological and economic benefits of MPAs, influencing marine conservation policies globally.
In addition to her scientific research, Lubchenco has emphasized the importance of science communication. She has founded programs like the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program and COMPASS to help scientists effectively communicate their research to the public, policymakers, and the media3. Her concept of a “social contract” between scientists and society underscores her belief in the responsibility of scientists to share their knowledge for the greater good.
