Marine scientist
University of Oxford
Noam Vogt-Vincent
The dynamics of the ocean and its ecosystems are closely coupled over a broad range of timescales. I use numerical models to investigate these physical and biological interactions in the past, present and future, to improve our ability to predict and manage future environmental change, particularly in the context of coral reef systems.
Introduction
I’m an Associate Professor of Climate Science in the Department of Earth Sciences and Tutorial Fellow at St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford. My research combines numerical modelling and physical oceanography with marine ecology and geoscience to improve our understanding of how physical environmental change shapes our living ocean. I am particularly interested in coral reef systems, because these extraordinary ecosystems face a potentially existential threat from climate change, so there is a particularly urgent need to develop predictive capacity for how coral reefs respond to environmental change. I am interested in global environmental change, but my favourite coral reef system is the Ryukyu Arc in Japan. My previous research projects include hindcasting the habitability of Japan for coral reef formation during the Last Glacial Maximum, mapping coral reef connectivity across the southwest Indian Ocean, identifying sources of marine pollution for remote islands, and predicting the potential for tropical coral range expansion under future climate change.
Information for prospective graduate students
The two main funded routes for doctoral study in my research group are the ILESLA and Intelligent Earth programmes. I am able to supervise new graduate students for the next (2027-2028) intake. A strong quantitative background (e.g. Master’s in physics, maths, engineering, physical oceanography, bioinformatics) is desirable in most cases. Project suggestions will be available on the Earth Sciences website from mid-October 2026. However, please note that neither of these programmes require a detailed research proposal or commitment to join a particular research group, and admission is independent from potential supervisors. I am happy to discuss research ideas or applications with strong prospective applicants, but I unfortunately do not have the capacity to respond to generic or AI-written enquiries.
Information for prospective postdoctoral researchers
I am very happy to discuss options with potential postdocs about postdoctoral fellowship opportunities in the UK such as MSCA, EMBO, BBSRC, Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, Schmidt Fellowships, and JRFs. Please note that our internal deadline for supporting postdoctoral fellowships is 1-2 months before the funder’s deadline, so please contact me as early as possible. Aside from supporting fellowship applications, I do not currently have any funded positions available for postdocs and any available positions will be advertised through official channels.