Nicholas Barrand

Nicholas Barrand is an Associate Professor of Glaciology at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, and serves as Senior Departmental Admissions Tutor for GEES. His research addresses critical glaciology challenges: quantifying glacier/ice sheet contributions to sea-level rise and assessing glaciers as water resources under climate change.

• University of Birmingham
• NERC British Antarctic Survey (2010-2013)
• University of Alberta (2008-2010)

His group integrates field measurements, numerical modeling, and optical/microwave remote sensing with interdisciplinary approaches spanning hydrological earth system science, environmental economics, and socio-cultural studies.

Current research trends focus on glacio-hydrological modeling, GRACE satellite data analysis, and climate-glacier-hydrology chains. Scientific output emphasizes polar cryosphere dynamics, tropical Andes glacier evolution, and mountain water security.

Key grants include:

• UK Research and Innovation (2024-2025) "Net-zero BVLOS drones for ocean sector"
• NERC (2022-2025) "Impacts of cryosphere-hydrosphere change in Nunatsiavut"
• NERC (2019-2022) "Water Security in Peruvian glacier-fed basins"
• BGS (2015-2019) "Deglacial catchment change in Iceland"

Collaborative networks span University of Edinburgh (2025), University of Alberta, and Norsk Polarinstitutt. Methodological innovations include advances in glacio-hydro-groundwater interactions, iceberg calving mechanics, and multi-sensor reflectance analysis.