Neil Loader

Professor Neil Loader is a physical geographer specializing in stable isotope techniques and dendrochronology at Swansea University's School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics. He leads the UK Oak Project, an interdisciplinary initiative investigating oak trees for precision dating and climate studies. His research focuses on natural archives like tree rings, peat, and pollen to reconstruct environmental changes beyond instrumental records.

Teaching emphasizes physical geography, fieldwork, and experiential learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Collaborations include the Royal Meteorological Society for educational resources on tree rings and climate. His work bridges archaeology and environmental science, with notable projects like dating historical timbers and medieval ship remains using oxygen isotope analysis.

Publications span advanced analytical techniques (e.g., laser ablation IRMS) and global climate studies, reflecting expertise in isotopic methods, paleoclimatology, and interdisciplinary research.