Scripps Institution Embraces Margaret Leinen in New Leadership Role

New Leader Takes the Helm at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Dr. Margaret Leinen officially joined UC San Diego on October 1, 2013, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history. Leinen, a distinguished oceanographer and accomplished executive, was appointed as Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences, Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Dean of the School of Marine Sciences.

Leinen made history as the first woman to lead Scripps, a position she held until 2025. During her tenure, she guided the institution to new heights, overseeing its research, educational, and organizational developments for over a decade. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing Scripps Oceanography's mission to understand and protect the planet through interdisciplinary research across ocean, Earth, and atmospheric sciences.

One of Leinen's key achievements was her advocacy and testimony before the U.S. Congress on matters related to ocean and coastal waters, showcasing her engagement in policy and advocacy for marine sciences at the national level. Her leadership also helped foster collaborative, interdisciplinary teams to tackle environmental challenges, shaping UC San Diego and Scripps as key centers for oceanographic research and education.

Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla stated that Leinen's experience in innovation and collaboration made her the right choice for Scripps and a key campus partner in implementing UC San Diego's strategic plan. Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of UC San Diego's pillars of excellence, specializing in physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans, earth, and atmosphere.

Educating the public, expanding ties to the broader community, and enhancing diversity within its ranks are core principles at Scripps. The institution offers graduate and undergraduate educational programs in marine biology, oceanography, and earth sciences. Scripps Communications operates a fleet of four research vessels and research platform FLIP.

Leinen's extensive national and international experience in ocean science, global climate, and environmental issues, federal research administration, and non-profit startups will undoubtedly contribute to Scripps's continued success. She has a history of academic leadership, previously serving at the University of Rhode Island.

Leinen expressed excitement about joining UC San Diego, citing the combination of Scripps's 110 years of research and educational excellence and UC San Diego's culture of interdisciplinary innovation. With annual expenditures approaching $200 million, Scripps Communications aims to remain at the forefront of modeling and interpretation, and increasingly, understands and solves questions of basic and applied science require integration with social sciences and other fields.

As Leinen steps into her new role, she follows in the footsteps of a esteemed predecessor, Meenakshi Wadhwa, who acknowledged Leinen’s significant influence on research excellence and mentorship in the field. Leinen's tenure at the National Science Foundation (NSF) included serving as Assistant Director for Geosciences and Coordinator of Environmental Research and Education, where she presided over and directly influenced some of the most consequential programs in marine, atmospheric, and earth science.

Currently, Leinen serves as the president-elect of the American Geophysical Union, chair of the Federal Ocean Research Advisory Panel, and vice chair of the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative. She is also the Executive Director of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Associate Provost of Marine and Environmental Initiatives at Florida Atlantic University.

In conclusion, Dr. Margaret Leinen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to interdisciplinary research and education make her an ideal fit for this prestigious institution. Under her guidance, Scripps is poised to continue its mission of understanding and protecting the planet through groundbreaking research and education.

References:

UC San Diego News Center. (2013, October 1). UC San Diego announces Margaret Leinen as Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences and Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Retrieved from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/uc-san-diego-announces-margaret-leinen-as-vice-chancellor-for-marine-sciences-and-director-of-scripps-institution-of-oceanography
UC San Diego. (n.d.). Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Retrieved from https://scripps.ucsd.edu/
UC San Diego News Center. (2025, June 1). Margaret Leinen steps down as Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences and Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Retrieved from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/margaret-leinen-steps-down-as-vice-chancellor-for-marine-sciences-and-director-of-scripps-institution-of-oceanography
UC San Diego News Center. (2015, February 26). Margaret Leinen testifies before U.S. Congress on matters related to ocean and coastal waters. Retrieved from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/margaret-leinen-testifies-before-u-s-congress-on-matters-related-to-ocean-and-coastal-waters
UC San Diego News Center. (2014, August 26). Scripps Oceanography celebrates 110 years of research and education. Retrieved from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/scripps-oceanography-celebrates-110-years-of-research-and-education
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