I am a physical oceanographer with special interest in ocean modelling. I have experience of applying models to a broad range of research topics including marine renewable energy, past climate conditions, marine biosecurity and the aquaculture industry.

I have worked for several years as a physical oceanographer on a number projects, including:

• Convex Seascape Survey (current)
• Menai Offshore Subsurface Shellfish Systems
• Shellfish Centre
• ECOSTRUCTURE
• Cockles
• SEACAMS and SEACAMS 2

as well as contributing to external projects (e.g., Angle Shark Project: Wales and SIARC) as an hydrodynamic- and biophysical modeller.

Particular areas of research interest include: numerical modelling (physical, biophysical), sediment dynamics, marine renewable energy, sea-level rise and climate change. 

• Profesiynol: ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors
  2023
• PhD: A new proxy for constraining palaeotidal simulations of the northwest European shelf seas
  Bangor University, 2010–2015
• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE)
  2013
• MSc: Applied Physical Oceanography
  Bangor University, 2009–2011
• BSc: Natural Sciences
  University of Bath, 2004–2007

I have a range of research interests in which PhD projects could be developed. Please contact me by email in the first instance regarding any of the following areas:

• Tidal modelling (past, present or future)
• Marine renewable energy
• Dispersal of marine organisms (including invasive species and aquaculture)

2025

• CyhoeddwydRevealing Elasmobranch Distributions in Turbid Coastal Waters: Insights From Environmental DNA and Particle Tracking
  Dunn, N., Ward, S., Barker, J., Davies, J., Davies, S., Wray, B., Robins, P., Apetroaie, I., Willams, J., Hopkins, K. & Curnick, D., 24 Ion 2025, Yn: Ecology and Evolution. 15, 1, e70857.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydSeascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy
  Preston, J., Debney, A., Gamble, C., Hardy, M. J., Underwood, G. J. C., Garbutt, A., Harley, J., Baker, R., Dunk, R. M., Grigg, M., Hancock, B. T., Hendy, I. W., La Marca, E. C., Murray, J., Pettorelli, N., Pittman, S. J., Reeves, S. E., Robertson, M., Sturrock, A. M. & Thurstan, R. H. & 10 eraill, Unsworth, R. K. F., Ward, E. A., Ward, S. L., Watson, G. J., Watson, S. C. L., Wedding, L. M., Worthington, T. A., Wright, R. A., Yesson, C. & zu Ermgassen, P. S. E., 12 Meh 2025, Yn: npj Ocean Sustainability. 4, 33.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe Role of Long-Term Hydrodynamic Evolution in the Accumulation and Preservation of Organic Carbon-Rich Shelf Sea Deposits
  Ward, S., Bradley, S. L., Roseby, Z. A., Wilmes, S.-B., Vosper, D. F., Roberts, C. M. & Scourse, J. D., 4 Ebr 2025, Yn: Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. 130, 4, e2024JC022092.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2024

• CyhoeddwydA global inventory of shelf sea carbon
  Ward, S., 2024.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Murlen
• CyhoeddwydAn interactive online tool (PALTIDE) for sea level and ocean model simulations of the northwest European shelf seas since the Last Glacial Maximum
  Ward, S., 2024.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Murlen
• CyhoeddwydAn interactive visualization and data portal tool (PALTIDE) for relative sea level and palaeotidal simulations of the northwest European shelf seas since the Last Glacial Maximum
  Scourse, J., Ward, S., Wainwright, A., Bradley, S., Wilson, J. K. & Guo, J., Gorff 2024, Yn: Journal of Quaternary Science. 39, 5, t. 831-838 8 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydEngaging Communities in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia: A Collaborative Approach to Modelling Marine Plastic Debris through Open Science and Online Visualization
  Jones, N., Robins, P., Christie, D., Demmer, J., Faizal, I., Giebink, N., Huang, P., Jones, G., Kantamaneni, K., Lewis, M., Pratama, M., Purba, N. & Ward, S., 16 Mai 2024, Yn: Cambridge Prisms: Plastics.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffuEstimating common whelk (Buccinum undatum) abundance using baited remote underwater video (BRUV)
  Garratt, M., Bloor, I., Coleman, M., Colvin, C., Hiddink, J. G., Hold, N., Phillips, E., Ward, S. & Jenkins, S., 11 Medi 2024, (E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffu) Yn: ICES Journal of Marine Science. 81, 9, t. 1817–1826
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydHabitat structure shapes temperate reef assemblages across regional environmental gradients
  Jackson-Bue, T., Evans, A. J., Lawrence, P., Brooks, P., Ward, S., Jenkins, S., Moore, P. J., Crowe, T., Neill, S. & Davies, A., 1 Ion 2024, Yn: Science of the Total Environment. 167494.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2023

• CyhoeddwydThe importance of resolving nearshore currents in coastal dispersal models
  Ward, S., Robins, P., Owen, A., Demmer, J. & Jenkins, S., 1 Meh 2023, Yn: Ocean Modelling. 183, 102181.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe UK’s first climate refugees: why more defences may not save this village from rising sea levels
  Ward, S. & Austin, M., 31 Maw 2023, The Conversation.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol › Erthygl

2022

• CyhoeddwydPresent day: Tides in a changing climate
  Wilmes, S.-B., Ward, S. & Uehara, K., 2022, A Journey Through Tides. Green, M. & Duarte, J. (gol.). Elsevier, t. 185-230
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod
• CyhoeddwydTidal Stream Energy
  Ward, S., 2022, Comprehensive Renewable Energy. 2 gol. Oxford: Elsevier, Cyfrol 8. t. 104-122 (Comprehensive Renewable Energy).
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod
• CyhoeddwydWhy is there a tide?
  Ward, S., Bowers, D., Green, M. & Wilmes, S.-B., 7 Hyd 2022, A Journey Through Tides. Green, M. & Duarte, J. (gol.). Elsevier, t. 81-113
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod

2021

• CyhoeddwydA new seabed mobility index for the Irish Sea: Modelling seabed shear stress and classifying sediment mobilisation to help predict erosion, deposition, and sediment distribution.
  Coughlan, M., Guerrini, M., Creane, S., O'Shea, M., Ward, S., Van Landeghem, K., Murphy, J. & Doherty, P., 1 Tach 2021, Yn: Continental Shelf Research. 229, 104574.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTides
  Ward, S., 2021, 30-Second Oceans: 50 key ideas about the sea's importance to life on earth. Green, M. & Lenn, Y.-D. (gol.). The Ivy Press
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod

2020

• CyhoeddwydNon-linear landscape and cultural response to sea-level rise
  Barnett, R., Charman, D. J., Johns, C., Ward, S., Bevan, A., Bradley, S. L., Cambridge, K., Fyfe, R. M., Gehrels, W. R., Hatton, J., Khan, N. S., Marshall, P., Maezumi, S. Y., Mills, S., Mulville, J., Perez, M., Roberts, H. M., Scourse, J. D., Shepherd, F. & Stevens, T., 4 Tach 2020, Yn: Science Advances. 6, 45, eabb6376.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe challenges of constraining shelf sea tidal models using seabed sediment grain size as a proxy for tidal currents
  Ward, S., Scourse, J., Yokoyama, Y. & Neill, S., Rhag 2020, Yn: Continental Shelf Research. 205, 104165.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2019

• CyhoeddwydAdvance and retreat of the marine-terminating Irish Sea Ice Stream into the Celtic Sea during the Last Glacial: Timing and maximum extent
  Scourse, J., Saher, M., Van Landeghem, K., Lockhart, E., Purcell, C., Callard, S. L., Roseby, Z., Allison, B., Pieńkowski, A., Ó Cofaigh, C., Praeg, D., Ward, S., Chiverrell, R. C., Moreton, S., Fabel, D. & Clark, C., 1 Meh 2019, Yn: Marine Geology. 412, t. 53-68
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTracking Holocene palaeostratification and productivity changes in the Western Irish Sea: A multi-proxy record
  Woods, M. A., Wilkinson , I. P., Leng, M. J., Riding, J. B., Vane, C. H., Lopes dos Santos, R. A., Kender, S., De Schepperd, S., Hennissen, J. A. I., Ward, S. L., Gowing, C. J. B., Wilby, P. R., Nichols, M. D. & Rochelle, C. A., 15 Hyd 2019, Yn: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 532
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2018

• CyhoeddwydThe role of megatides and relative sea level in controlling the deglaciation of the British-Irish and Fennoscandinavian ice sheets
  Scourse, J., Ward, S., Wainwright, A., Bradley, S. L. & Uehara, K., Chwef 2018, Yn: Quaternary Science. 33, 2, t. 139-149
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTidal range energy resource and optimization – past perspectives and future challenges
  Neill, S., Angeloudis, A., Robins, P., Walkington, I., Ward, S., Masters, I., Lewis, M., Piano, M., Avdis, A., Piggott, M., Aggidis, G., Evans, P., Adcock, T., Zidonis, A., Ahmadian, R. & Falconer, R., Tach 2018, Yn: Renewable Energy. 127, November, t. 763-778
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTidal stream resource characterisation in progressive versus standing wave systems
  Ward, S., Robins, P., Lewis, M., Iglesias, G., Hashemi, M. R. & Neill, S., 15 Meh 2018, Yn: Applied Energy. 220, t. 274-285
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2017

• CyhoeddwydCharacteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sites
  Lewis, M., Neill, S., Robins, P., Hashemi, M. R. & Ward, S., Rhag 2017, Yn: Renewable Energy. 114, Part A, t. 258-272
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydComparison of 4- and 5-beam acoustic Doppler current profiler configurations for measurement of turbulent kinetic energy
  Togneri, M., Jones, D., Neill, S., Lewis, M., Ward, S., Piano, M. & Masters, I., 5 Medi 2017, Yn: Energy Procedia. 125, t. 260-267
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydTidal stream resource assessment uncertainty due to flow asymmetry and turbine yaw misalignment
  Piano, M., Neill, S., Lewis, M., Robins, P., Hashemi, R., Davies, A., Ward, S. & Roberts, M., Rhag 2017, Yn: Renewable Energy. t. 1363-1375
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2016

• CyhoeddwydResearch priorities for assessing potential impacts of emerging marine renewable energy technologies: Insights from developments in Wales (UK)
  Roche, R., Walker-Springett, K., Robins, P., Jones, J., Veneruso, G., Whitton, T., Piano, M., Ward, S., Duce, C., Waggitt, J., Walker-Springett, G., Neill, S., Lewis, M. & King, J., 1 Rhag 2016, Yn: Renewable Energy. 99, December, t. 1327-1341 15 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydSensitivity of palaeotidal models of the northwest European shelf seas to glacial isostatic adjustment since the Last Glacial Maximum
  Ward, S., Neill, S., Scourse, J., Bradley, S. L. & Uehara, K., 1 Tach 2016, Yn: Quaternary Science Reviews. 151, t. 198-211
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2015

• CyhoeddwydCharacterising the spatial and temporal variability of the tidal-stream energy resource over the northwest European shelf seas
  Robins, P. E., Neill, S. P., Lewis, M. J. & Ward, S. L., 1 Meh 2015, Yn: Applied Energy. 147, t. 510-522
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydCharacterizing the tidal energy resource of the West Anglesey Demonstration Zone (UK), using TELEMAC-2D and field observations
  Piano, M., Ward, S. L., Robins, P. E., Neill, S. P., Lewis, M. J., Davies, A. G., Powell, B. I., Owen, A. W. & Hashemi, R. M., 15 Hyd 2015.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydClassifying seabed sediment type using simulated tidal-induced bed shear stress
  Ward, S. L., Neill, S. P., Van Landeghem, K. J. & Scourse, J. D., 30 Mai 2015, Yn: Marine Geology. 367, t. 94-104
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2013

• CyhoeddwydBriefing: Young Coastal Scientists and Engineers Conference 2012
  Green, M., Davies, A. G., Bowers, D. G., Zhu, F., Ward, S. L. & Porter, K., Medi 2013, Yn: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Maritime Engineering. 166, 3, t. 101-108
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydModelling tides and sea-level rise: To flood or not to flood
  Pelling, H. E., Green, J. A. M. & Ward, S. L., Maw 2013, Yn: Ocean Modelling. 63, t. 21-29
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydSimulated Late-glacial and Holocene relative sea-level and palaeotidal changes on the Isles of Scilly: a new approach for assessing changes in the areal extent of the inter-tidal zone
  Mortimer, T. A., Scourse, J. D., Ward, S. L. & Uehara, K., 31 Rhag 2013, Yn: Geoscience in South-West England. 13, 2, t. 152-158
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2012

• CyhoeddwydTides, sea-level rise and tidal power extraction on the European shelf
  Ward, S. L., Green, J. A. M. & Pelling, H. E., Awst 2012, Yn: Ocean Dynamics. 62, 8, t. 1153-1167
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

• Convex Seascape Survey

  01/07/2022 – 30/04/2027 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• NRN-LCEE Returning Fellowship

  01/02/2018 – 01/08/2019 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  The NRN-LCEE was a bold, innovative pan-Wales initiative for Welsh research funded by Welsh Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) as part of Sêr Cymru 1; comprising of partners from Bangor, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, South Wales and Swansea Universities, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology at Bangor, British Geological Survey Wales, and UK MetOffice. The NRN-LCEE aimed to promote excellent collaborative and interdisciplinary research within Wales into the sustainable use of natural resources for the provision of energy, water, food, and other ecosystem services; and explicitly encouraged interdisciplinary research across departments, universities, research centres, industry and third sector parties. As such, the NRN-LCEE was the catalyst to bring a diverse set of talented researchers and partners into new collaborations, in order to conduct innovative research that was highly pertinent on an international research agenda.

  Cysylltau:

• ADCP deployment

  01/04/2017 – 31/05/2017 (Wedi gorffen)

British Council: Challenge Prize, Research Link Climate Change. Mapping marine litter pathways and sea-level rise in Indonesia (£9,795, PI, 2021)

Nature Networks Fund: SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities) (£18,617 to Bangor, Co-I, 2021).

Contract research: research project with Zoological Society of London (£6,259, Co-I, 2021).

PRIMaRE Early Career Researcher-Travel Grant (2019)

Bangor University Early Career Researcher Award (£1,500, 2018).

NRN-LCEE Returning Fellowship (£6,000, 2017)

Contract research (€76,000, 2017).