Researcher, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) – Denmark
Gender Equality Consultant, IOC-UNESCO
Dr. Ellen Johannesen is an interdisciplinary marine social science researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA – Denmark) and a gender equality consultant for the IOC-UNESCO. She holds a PhD in Maritime Affairs with a focus on gender equality in ocean science from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. A graduate of the Empowering Women for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development programme hosted at the Global Ocean Institute, generously sponsored by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
With over 15 years of experience at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), has worked extensively in intergovernmental ocean governance at the science-policy interface. Including leading the development of the ICES gender equality plan. Her work aims to advance an ecosystem-based approach to marine conservation and restoration through international collaboration and coordination.
Dr. Johannesen is dedicated to mainstreaming gender equality and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in ocean science and governance. She actively contributes to initiatives linked to the UN’s Ocean Decade and World Ocean Assessment III, focusing on gender equality, equity and inclusion, citizen engagement and knowledge transfer in ocean protection and restoration, and marine ecosystem-based management.