Dr. Xiaoyu Fang

FEC Executive Director - Communication & Engagement

FEC Executive Committee Position: Lead - IPO China, FEC Executive Director - Communication & Engagement

Xiaoyu Fang has over 15 years’ experience conducting environmental studies across different landscapes from glaciers to estuaries and coasts. She is passionate about the nature. Her research expertise includes water-balance modelling, glacial morphology, marine biogeochemistry, ecosystem functioning, species distribution modelling, and ocean observation.  She holds a joint PhD degree in Marine Ecosystem Health and Conservation from the University of Plymouth (UK) and the University of Ghent (Belgium). She developed a predictive framework of biodiversity and ecosystem service to gain insight in the response of the estuarine ecosystem functioning to human-induced hydro-morphological and biogeochemical changes. She also has experience in predicting high-mountain lake levels using water balance models.

She strives to inspire individuals to connect with and appreciate our oceans, while advocating for positive changes towards a more sustainable future. She possesses experience working in various disciplines and sectors including fisheries, ocean management, marine spatial planning, cloud computation and data management. She is experienced in European marine science and science engagement in policy, industry and wider society. She worked for European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) with roles spanning coordination of international projects (e.g., EMODnet PArtnership for China and Europe) to knowledge exchange of oceanography and technical support (e.g., iAtlantic, AtlantECO, MissionAtlantic, H2020 Blue-Cloud). She joined Future Earth Coasts in 2022 and took the role as co-executive director, bringing her marine science expertise together with skills in science communication, professional Secretariat operation, project management, and stakeholder engagement. In her current role, she leads the Communication and Engagement Activities at Future Earth Coasts.