Caroline Lear

Caroline Lear is Professor of Past Climates and Earth System Change at Cardiff University's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where she also serves as Dean of Research and Innovation for the College of Physical Science and Engineering. Her research reconstructs historical climates using geochemical proxies to understand Earth system dynamics.

In December 2024, she was appointed to the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) Science Committee, advising on scientific strategy to address environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Her committee role focuses on strengthening UK environmental research capacity across NERC's priority areas including green futures and community resilience.

As EDI Champion within her school, she promotes inclusive research environments while advancing paleoclimate science through isotopic analysis of marine sediments.