Nina Bednaršek, Jožef Stefan Institute

Dr. Nina Bednaršek is a marine scientist specializing in the ecological impacts of ocean acidification and climate-related stressors on marine organisms and ecosystems. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of East Anglia, awarded through a Marie Curie Fellowship, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Washington and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Her research focuses on identifying ecological thresholds that determine species resilience to changes in ocean chemistry, particularly in the context of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) strategies such as ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). By integrating field studies, experimental approaches integrated with observations and biogeochemical modeling, she examines how climate stressors and ocean solutions affect shell-forming organisms, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability.
She has held research positions at Oregon State University and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, contributing to international efforts in ocean monitoring and carbon sequestration. As Vice Chair of the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR) Executive Steering Committee and an advisor for UNESCO, she plays a key role in advancing research on ocean-based climate solutions. Her work informs global assessments on mCDR feasibility, ensuring that carbon removal strategies align with ecosystem sustainability while providing critical insights for marine conservation and policy development.