IWD Spotlight Series: Helen Sampson

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the inspiring women driving change in ocean conservation, science, and communication. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of protecting our blue planet—leading groundbreaking research, advocating for marine life, and empowering future generations.

In this special series, we’ve spoken to some of the most influential voices in the field to learn about their journeys, challenges, and hopes for the future of our oceans. Kicking things off, we sit down with Helen Sampson, the newly appointed Managing Director of Women in Ocean Science (WOS). Helen is the Managing Director of Women in Ocean Science, a global charity dedicated to supporting and empowering women in ocean-related careers and amplifying their voices in marine science and conservation. She is also a Producer Director, experienced diver, underwater photographer and filmmaker, who has worked with scientists worldwide to capture extraordinary ocean life for major series on Netflix, Apple, Sky, and the BBC—including the upcoming Blue Planet III.  

Helen’s passion for ocean conservation and dedication to elevating women in the industry make her a fitting first guest in our interview series. Let’s dive in. Thanks so much for agreeing to speak to us Helen. First of all can you tell us what inspires you to work in ocean science and what you hope to achieve?

Throughout my career, I have had the extraordinary privilege of working with marine scientists and conservationists worldwide, intimately documenting the ocean's incredible biodiversity, and gaining a deep understanding of its vital role in preserving not just marine species, but all of life on earth, including Ours. Yet, I’ve also seen first-hand the multitude of threats that it faces, and we have reached a critical time where ocean science and conservation must be prioritised more than ever. This is ultimately what has inspired me to lead our charity - Women in Ocean Science. 

Research shows that a diversity of perspectives produce stronger conservation solutions, and yet currently, the proportion of women in impact and leadership roles globally is significantly underrepresented, both in the marine sciences, and across local frontline communities affected by ocean exploitation and climate change. Women in Ocean Science was founded on this very principle, and we hope that by training, supporting and empowering more women to thrive in ocean-related careers, we will positively influence the future protection and longer term sustainability of our oceans.

What do you think it is that you love most about the ocean?

For me, the ocean is powerful, magical, and mysterious—an entirely different world teeming with life. When I dive, I’m surrounded by an incredible diversity of creatures, each playing a role in a vast, interconnected community. They don’t just exist together; they interact, form relationships, and even acknowledge my presence. As an outsider, I feel both vulnerable and connected. Some approach with curiosity, others observe from a distance, but in those moments, as I watch them, they watch me too—with the same awe and intrigue. It’s a humbling reminder that the ocean is not just a place, but a world of incredible stories unfolding before my eyes.

Are there any crazy ocean facts that you sometimes think about in the middle of the night?

I find it mind-blowing that the ocean is so vast and so deep that more than 80% still remains unexplored and unmapped, with scientists estimating that up to 90% of marine species have yet to be discovered! We know more about space than we do about our own planet's oceans and it remains Earth's final frontier! I lie in bed, staring into the darkness and imagining what some of those possible 2 million unidentified species could look like and excitedly wondering how many more will be discovered in my lifetime.   

Amazing, thanks Helen. And where can people look if they want to find more information?

They can find us via our website https://www.womeninoceanscience.com/, via our instagram https://www.instagram.com/womeninoceanscience/ or they can find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/hels_sampson/

Championing Women, Protecting Our Oceans

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s clear that the future of ocean conservation is being shaped by the incredible women leading the charge. From scientific breakthroughs to advocacy and education, their work is vital in protecting our blue planet for generations to come.

Hearing from inspiring voices like Helen's reminds us that while progress has been made, there’s still more to do in ensuring equal opportunities for women in ocean science and conservation. By supporting and amplifying their efforts, we can help build a more inclusive and effective movement to safeguard our seas.

Stay tuned for the next interview in our series, where we continue to spotlight the women making waves in ocean related fields. And if you know an inspiring woman in this field, share her story—because every voice matters in the fight for our oceans.