Alasdair Harris co-founder and Director of Scientific Research

As Blue Ventures’ Director of Scientific Research, Al works closely with partner organisations, community leaders and government agencies in Madagascar to develop and implement Blue Ventures' conservation plans.

Al started work on plans for Blue Ventures in 2000, and as a student led several marine research expeditions around the Indian Ocean region, as well as chairing Oxford University Exploration Society. For two consecutive years these expeditions received the Duke of Edinburgh’s medal for underwater exploration.

Outside his work at Blue Ventures Al recently represented the United Kingdom at the United Nations youth summit on climate change, and in both 2005 and 2006 Al's work was highly commended by UK Chancellor Gordon Brown in the annual Enterprising Young Brits awards.

Alongside his work with Blue Ventures, Al is a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas and is pursuing a PhD looking at the devastating effects of climate change on coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.