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Professor Alex Ford, a marine biologist and environmental toxicologist at the ��������, has been named one of the UK’s most impactful environmental professionals in the 2025 ENDS Power List, an annual ranking celebrating 100 individuals whose work is shaping the country’s environmental future.

Now in its fourth year, the is compiled from nominations by peers, clients and competitors, and recognises individuals from across academia, activism, policy, law, consultancy and industry. Those selected are judged to have made a significant contribution to environmental progress in the UK over the past two years.

Professor Ford was included in the category recognising environmental academics whose research has led to demonstrable and positive environmental improvements. With over two decades of experience, his work has focused on the effects of pollutants on marine ecosystems and human health. His recent studies have helped expose the presence of pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals, including  “forever chemicals”, in UK waters, generating public debate and informing parliamentary scrutiny.

Among his recent work is a collaboration with the that revealed alarming PFAS concentrations in a protected coastal site, correlating with sewage discharges. The findings were cited in Parliament by MP Munira Wilson during the introduction of a bill proposing legal limits on PFAS chemicals.   Professor Ford also co-authored a feature paper in Environmental Science & Technology highlighting conflicts of interest in UN Intergovernmental negotiations including the global plastics treaty.

In 2024, Professor Ford became the first UK academic appointed to the Board of the, and was recognised among the top 2 per cent most cited scholars globally.

Reacting to the nomination, Professor Ford said: “It’s a privilege to be recognised alongside such a dedicated and diverse group of professionals. Science can be a powerful tool for change, but it only makes an impact when it connects with policy, people and the planet. I hope this recognition helps amplify the importance of independent, transparent research at a time when environmental decisions are more urgent than ever.”

ENDS noted that compiling the Power List involves months of careful review, guided by a panel of trusted experts to ensure a diverse and representative selection.

Jamie Carpenter, ENDS Report editor, said: “The Power List is a celebration of the vast reserves of talent that exist in the environmental profession, and shines a light on work of those whose efforts are delivering positive change.

“This year, the standard of nominations was particularly high. As in previous years, we have been humbled by the response to our call for nominations and have been struck by the countless examples of environmental professionals who met one or more of our criteria – many more than we can name on our list.”

The Power List highlights individuals who have shaped environmental policy, driven measurable improvements, enhanced the profession’s reputation, or worked behind the scenes as unsung heroes.