Francesca Sangiorgi appointed professor of Polar Marine Biogeosciences

Francesca Sangiorgi has been appointed professor of Polar Marine Biogeosciences at the Department of Earth Sciences, as of 1 August 2026. Marine biogeosciences is an interdisciplinary field that bridges Biology and Earth Sciences, studying processes from daily to geological timescales, from the (micro)organism to a global perspective.

Her research focuses on the ocean and marine microorganisms, particularly in polar regions. The vast majority of the ocean and polar areas seem remote and untouched, but direct or indirect human activities, including climate change, pose an increasing threat to their ecosystems, impacting the livability and health of the entire planet.

Sangiorgi: "I investigate the relationship between changes in the (polar) ocean and primary production, biodiversity and carbon cycling, both in the past and in the present. I mainly study (remains of) microalgae, the basis of food webs and ecosystems. By combining ocean observations and information extracted from marine sediments, I gain insight into how marine (micro)organisms respond to changes in the ocean."

“I am very pleased with the appointment of Francesca,” says prof Annemarie van Wezel, Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences. “Francesca is very active in the field of education, with a strong focus on marine sciences, and her research brings together various disciplines within the university related to (polar) marine sciences. Her sparkling personality also strengthens our collaboration with the NIOZ.”

“Hoogleraar means literally high-level teacher. Education is central and I would not feel accomplished and complete without my role as teacher and mentor. I am proud to be a role model for women in science. And I am grateful to be able to inspire students and offer young researchers opportunities at the start of their careers. I hope to contribute to their further development and success.”

Sangiorgi plays a central role in education, at both undergraduate and graduate level, within the departments of Biology and Earth Sciences. She has been program leader of the Marine Sciences master's program for eight years.