Jeroen Ingels is a deep-sea benthic ecologist with more than 20 years of experience studying marine biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, natural variability, and responses to environmental disturbance. He holds a PhD in Marine Biology and Deep-Sea Ecology from Ghent University, Belgium, and has held research positions at Ghent University, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Florida State University, and Earth Sciences New Zealand. Jeroen has participated in oceanographic research campaigns in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern oceans, and recently led a month-long research voyage to investigate abyssal ecosystems in New Zealand waters. His research combines field observations, experiments, and multidisciplinary ecological datasets to assess benthic communities and their responses to natural and human pressures. His recent work has focused on environmental baseline studies, ecological indicators, and the potential effects of polymetallic nodule collection in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone and other nodule ecosystems across the Pacific. Jeroen has authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and has extensive experience connecting deep-sea science with environmental assessment, conservation, and international ocean policy.