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Sebastian Schemm is a Heisenberg Fellow at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge, a position regarded as equivalent to a non-permanent Associate Professor. He leads research within the Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics group and previously held an ERC Starting Grant-funded Assistant Professorship (without tenure track) at ETH Zurich. Education and Career Path PhD (2013) and MSc (2010), ETH Zurich, Switzerland Postdoctoral researcher, University of Bergen, Norway (2014–2017) Postdoctoral researcher, Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, ENS Paris (2017–2018) Assistant Professor (ERC Starting Grant), ETH Zurich (2020–2024) Heisenberg Fellow, DAMTP, University of Cambridge (2025–present) Research Focus Schemm’s work centres on atmospheric and climate dynamics, spanning turbulence to planetary scales. Core themes include the physics of extratropical cyclone life cycles, jet-stream and storm-track dynamics, Rossby waves and teleconnection patterns, high-resolution atmospheric modelling, and the integration of machine-learning techniques for parameter estimation, data assimilation, and kilometre-scale global simulations. He also contributes to large-scale initiatives such as ECMWF’s WeatherGenerator. Scientific Awards and Editorial Service DFG Heisenberg Fellowship (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2020–2024) European Meteorological Society Young Researcher Medal (2019) Co-Editor, Weather and Climate Dynamics (EGU) Co-Editor, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society PhD Supervision & Funding He currently supervises PhD students at both Cambridge and ETH Zurich, with funding streams including the Cambridge CREATES Doctoral Training Partnership and Swiss/EU grants. Ongoing students explore reinforcement-learning parameterisations, jet-stream–storm-track relationships, mid-latitude eddy energetics, machine-learning ensemble forecasting, and Bayesian parameter estimation in LES. Active Projects EU Horizon project WeatherGenerator (led by ECMWF) PASC HiRAD-Gen : High-Resolution Atmospheric Downscaling Using Generative Models

• Atmospheric Sciences
• Extratropical Cyclone Dynamics
• Jet Stream Physics
• +7 more

Alex Liu is a Researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences within the University of Cambridge. He specializes in palaeobiology , focusing on the origin and early evolution of animals, particularly the Ediacaran biota (~579–539 million years ago), and their co-evolution with Earth's environment. Research Focus: Refines understanding of animal body plan evolution, taphonomy, sedimentology, and macroevolutionary trends. Methodologies: Combines fieldwork, experimental studies, petrology, phylogenetics, and big-data analyses. Collaborations: Works with international museums and research teams on fossil sites in Namibia, Canada, and Brazil. Additional Interests: Explores meiofaunal evolution, paleogeography, paleoclimate, and conservation paleobiology. He supervises Cambridge NERC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) projects and welcomes student contributions to taxonomic, paleoecological, and analytical studies.

• Paleobiology
• Early Animal Evolution
• Ediacaran Biota
• +8 more

Professor John Parnell is the Chair in Geology & Petroleum Geology at the University of Aberdeen , affiliated with the School of Geosciences and Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology . His research focuses on geochemistry, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, trace element cycling, and sedimentary systems , with significant contributions to studies of the Rhynie Chert, Bowland Shale, and Lewisian Complex. Research Interests Professor Parnell's work spans: Geochemical analysis of Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic systems Trace metal mobility in sedimentary and metamorphic environments Organic carbon burial and its tectonic implications Planetary analog studies for Mars exploration Shale resource characterization and environmental impact assessment Recent Publications His recent articles highlight investigations into: Graphitization processes in Scottish Highlands marbles Sulphur isotope records in Precambrian successions Trace element dynamics in the Bowland Shale Biogeochemical cycling at the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary Labs & Collaborations He leads research in the Geofluids Group and collaborates with the Planetary Sciences Department on Mars analog studies.

• Geology
• Petroleum Geology
• Geochemistry
• +3 more

Oliver Shorttle is a Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, holding a joint position between the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute of Astronomy. His research focuses on planetary evolution, extrasolar planets, and geochemical cycling, integrating geological and astronomical perspectives. He explores topics such as exoplanet habitability, volcanic processes on distant worlds, and the role of volatiles in planetary systems. Education and Career: Shorttle earned his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge, followed by a PhD in Earth Sciences. He held postdoctoral positions at Caltech and as a JSPS fellow in Japan before returning to Cambridge as faculty. Research Themes: His work spans planetary chemistry, magma dynamics, and the interplay between planetary interiors and atmospheres. Key projects include analyzing protoplanetary disks, simulating volcanic activity on exoplanets, and investigating phosphorus’s role in prebiotic chemistry. Collaborations: Leads the Planetary Chemistry group, collaborating across disciplines at Cambridge and internationally. Current projects involve modeling exoplanet atmospheres, studying mantle melting processes, and developing geochemical methods to probe planetary formation. Labs/Teams: Directs the Planetary Chemistry research group, fostering interdisciplinary research between geology and astronomy. Active in fieldwork, lab analysis, and computational modeling.

• Extrasolar Planets
• Geochemical Cycling
• Planetary Evolution
• +4 more

Professor Jing Meng is a leading academic at University College London's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, holding the position since 2023 after progressing from Lecturer (2019-2021) to Associate Professor (2021-2023). She concurrently serves as a fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance and maintains active editorial roles as Executive Editor of the Journal of Cleaner Production and Associate Editor for Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. Her research spans three interconnected domains: Energy Transitions and Technology Innovation (examining cost forecasts and structural emission declines in China), Climate Change Policies (analyzing South-South trade effects and multinational enterprise emissions), and Emission-Health-Socioeconomics Nexus (assessing air pollution impacts and integrated co-mitigation strategies). This interdisciplinary approach is reflected in her publication record across Nature family journals and PNAS. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on global carbon accounting methodologies, with increasing attention to subnational (city-level) analyses, health co-benefits of climate policies, and technological innovation pathways for hard-to-abate sectors. Her work frequently employs multi-regional input-output modeling to trace emissions through complex supply chains. AGU Global Environmental Change Early Career Award (2023) MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific (2022) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2020-2024) Nature Communications Top 50 Earth Sciences Article (2018) MDPI Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (2020) Environmental Research Letters Best Early Career Article (2017) Professor Meng has secured substantial funding from diverse sources including NERC, the British Council, Quadrature Climate Foundation, The Royal Society, and UCL internal grants. She leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on technology innovation and climate policy, with particular emphasis on China's role in global emissions systems. Her work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) through actionable policy insights.

• Climate Change Mitigation
• Ecological Economics
• Technology Innovation
• +5 more

Dr. Keyron Hickman-Lewis is a Lecturer in Planetary Exploration at Birkbeck, University of London, with academic positions spanning institutions like the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London. He holds a M.EarthSci from the University of Oxford (2015) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from CNRS Orléans and Università di Bologna (2019). His research focuses on the co-evolution of Earth and early life, planetary exploration (including Mars 2020 Perseverance rover missions), and technique development for analyzing ancient microbial biosignatures. Key interests include microbial mats, Archaean geology, and astrobiological field analogs like Lake Abhe (Djibouti) and Martian environments. Notable achievements include identifying Earth's oldest microbial traces (3.5 Ga) and studying Mars sample return strategies. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) and serves on the European Astrobiology Network Association Council. Teaching includes modules on planetary science, geology, and remote sensing. Supervision focuses on astrobiology and planetary exploration topics. Key publications highlight breakthroughs in microbial mat preservation, Mars sample analysis, and Early Archaean stromatolite interpretation. Collaborations span international institutions including NASA, CNRS, and the University of Bologna.

• Astrobiology
• Planetary Geology
• Early Earth Life
• +7 more

Dr Saidul Islam is a Lecturer in Chemistry at King's College London, part of the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He specializes in prebiotic chemistry, focusing on understanding the chemical origins of life and systems chemistry. His research explores pathways for nucleic acids, peptides, and organic cofactors under prebiotic conditions. Joined King's College London in 2022 as part of the Department's expansion program. Previously held postdoctoral positions at Queen Mary University of London and UCL. Teaching roles include leading 'Organic Chemistry 2' and guiding postgraduate research. Research interests center on prebiotic systems chemistry, including catalytic peptide ligation, chemoselective synthesis, and the role of cyanide in early metabolism. The Islam Group investigates chemical pathways that could have led to life's emergence on early Earth, employing synthetic organic chemistry and advanced analytical techniques like NMR spectroscopy. Key contributions include studies on pantetheine synthesis, peptide ligation mechanisms, and the enrichment of prebiotic molecules via heated gas bubbles. His work bridges organic chemistry with the origins of biological systems, addressing fundamental questions about life's chemical beginnings.

• Prebiotic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Origin of Life
• +3 more

Roger Benson is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford specializing in paleontology and evolutionary biology. His research integrates fossil discovery, 3D morphometric analysis, and quantitative macroevolutionary studies to investigate vertebrate evolution across deep time, with particular expertise in dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and early synapsids. His primary research domains include: Phylogenetic Paleobiology : Resolving evolutionary relationships in key vertebrate clades using cladistic methods and fossil data Macroevolutionary Dynamics : Analyzing large-scale patterns of morphological diversity and species richness over 100+ million years Earth-Life Interactions : Quantifying links between environmental change, rock record biases, and biodiversity patterns using multivariate statistics Extant-Fossil Integration : Applying anatomical datasets from living species to test ecological hypotheses about extinct organisms Recent publications reveal consistent methodological innovation through synchrotron imaging, computational morphometrics, and big-data approaches to evolutionary questions. His work demonstrates how quantitative analysis of anatomical variation can resolve long-standing debates in vertebrate phylogeny while revealing fundamental principles of adaptive radiation. Though no specific awards are documented in the source material, Benson's research impact is evidenced by publications in premier journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS, reflecting significant contributions to evolutionary science. Benson actively mentors graduate students and leads international collaborations, as demonstrated by multi-institutional projects on Permian-Triassic extinction dynamics and dinosaur sensory evolution. His research group bridges field paleontology with computational biology to address fundamental questions in vertebrate evolution. Based within Oxford's Earth Sciences framework, his work leverages advanced imaging facilities and computational resources for fossil analysis and evolutionary modeling, contributing to the university's leadership in paleobiological research.

• Palaeontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +4 more

Professor Daniel Donoghue is a Professor in the Department of Geography at Durham University, specializing in remote sensing applications for archaeology, forestry, and coastal ecology. He has developed processing methods for high spectral resolution optical imaging, including the commercial T-Spectra package, and leads research on woodland structure assessment, archaeological prospection using declassified satellite imagery (e.g., CORONA), and catchment sensitivity modelling. His work is supported by organizations such as NERC, the European Commission, and the Environment Agency. His research focuses on airborne and satellite remote sensing for archaeological landscape assessment, forest monitoring, and coastal habitat change. He has pioneered techniques for using thermal infrared imagery in archaeology, quantifying woodland volume in UK upland forests, and analyzing land cover change in Bangladesh. His interdisciplinary approach integrates geographical information systems with environmental modelling to address challenges in resource management and ecological conservation. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on forest dynamics under climate stress, mangrove ecosystem conservation, and archaeological heritage protection. His work leverages satellite and LiDAR data to monitor drought impacts on European beech forests, carbon sequestration in mangroves, and looting in conflict zones like Syria. This reflects a consistent trajectory toward solving real-world environmental and cultural preservation challenges through advanced remote sensing. Professor Donoghue has supervised over ten PhD students, including Anthony Beck (NERC studentship on satellite archaeology), Nikolaos Galiatsatos (HSSF scholarship on declassified imagery), and Commonwealth scholars studying Bangladesh's land cover changes. His externally funded projects include a European Commission LIFE-Environment grant (€249,000), a British National Space Centre partnership (£44,000), and Environment Agency contracts for sediment analysis. He co-founded the Archaeological Special Interest Group of the Remote Sensing Society and the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre, where he oversees IT systems for catchment management. His collaborations with the British Geological Survey and Durham County Council demonstrate applied research translating into environmental policy and conservation practice.

• Remote Sensing
• Archaeological Prospection
• Forestry
• +4 more

Dr. Steven Parsons is a Lecturer in Astrophysics and an Ernest Rutherford Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on white dwarf stars and their binary systems, particularly eclipsing binaries that provide precise measurements of stellar properties. As part of the astronomy group, he contributes to understanding stellar evolution, binary star interactions, and the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae. Dr. Parsons received his academic training at: MPhys in Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Kent (2008) PhD at the University of Warwick under Professor Tom Marsh Dr. Parsons specializes in the study of white dwarfs - the incredibly dense remnants of dead stars that have masses similar to the Sun but are only Earth-sized. His research particularly focuses on white dwarfs in binary systems, especially those that eclipse, allowing precise measurements of their properties. He uses telescopes worldwide to investigate these systems to better understand stellar structure, composition, and evolution. A key aspect of his work involves searching for progenitors of Type Ia supernovae in our Galaxy to determine how these white dwarfs gain mass to reach the Chandrasekhar limit and explode, which has implications for cosmological distance measurements. Dr. Parsons' publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on white dwarf binary systems, with particular emphasis on eclipsing binaries that allow precise mass and radius measurements. His work spans observational studies using ground-based and space telescopes, theoretical modeling of binary evolution, and large-scale surveys to identify and characterize white dwarf systems. Recent work shows increasing involvement with major astronomical surveys like Gaia and TESS, expanding the scope of his research to larger stellar populations and connecting observational data with theoretical models of stellar evolution. Dr. Parsons has received several prestigious fellowships supporting his research: ESO/Comite Mixto Post Doctoral fellowship at Universidad de Valparaiso FONDECYT Post Doctoral fellowship Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship As an active researcher in the astronomy group at Sheffield, Dr. Parsons collaborates extensively with international teams on white dwarf research. His work with the HiPERCAM project demonstrates his involvement in cutting-edge instrumentation for high-speed astronomy. While specific student advisement details aren't provided, his role as Astronomy L2 Year Tutor indicates significant involvement in undergraduate education and mentorship. His research connects with broader efforts to understand stellar evolution and the role of binary systems in shaping the final stages of stellar life. Dr. Parsons is a key contributor to the 'white dwarf binary pathways survey' which systematically investigates the evolution of white dwarf binary systems. His work connects observational astronomy with theoretical models of binary star evolution, particularly focusing on post-common envelope binaries and systems that may lead to Type Ia supernovae. The team utilizes data from major observatories worldwide and space-based missions to build comprehensive understanding of these stellar systems, with implications for fundamental astrophysics and cosmology.

• White Dwarf Astrophysics
• Stellar Evolution
• Binary Star Systems
• +5 more

Jon Thomson is an Associate Professor (Reader) in Fine Art at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, where he works with MA/MFA and PhD students. He is a visual artist specializing in digital and new media art, collaborating with Alison Craighead since 1993 under the name Thomson & Craighead. Their work explores how internet and communications networks transform our understanding of the world, examining the relationship between physical and digital space and how the internet alters our socio-political understanding of reality. Thomson studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee. In 1995, he co-founded The Slade Centre for Electronic Media in Fine Art (SCEMFA), bringing together artist-researchers working digitally on the cutting edge of contemporary art practice. He has maintained this research focus while developing his collaborative practice with Craighead. Thomson's research examines how the development of the internet has transformed perception of the world, particularly how our constant ability to be physically somewhere but virtually anywhere affects our understanding. His work considers the tension between global and local perspectives, and how modern communications inform our sense of place and self. Recent projects increasingly examine the impact of Big Data on society and how individuals can measure their experience against unfathomably large bodies of information and inhuman timescales. Thomson & Craighead's extensive exhibition history shows a consistent exploration of networked communication, with works spanning from early internet-based projects to contemporary explorations of genomic data and nuclear culture. Their practice demonstrates an evolution from examining basic internet infrastructure to addressing complex issues of data sovereignty, deep time, and the societal impacts of pervasive networked technologies. Thomson's research has been supported by significant funding including: AHRC small grant in the creative and performing arts (2007) Wellcome Trust Arts Award (£38,000) for Stutterer (2014) Collaborations with Channel 4 Television, Animate Projects, New Media Scotland, and Creative Scotland for Flat Earth Trilogy Thomson advises MA/MFA and PhD students at the Slade School of Fine Art. His collaborative practice has resulted in numerous exhibitions worldwide and three published monographs. They have developed innovative approaches to using live data streams, social media content, and scientific information as artistic materials, creating works that challenge conventional boundaries between art, technology, and science. Thomson co-founded SCEMFA, which remains a significant research center bringing together artist-researchers working at the intersection of digital technology and fine art. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations, such as with computational biologists at the University of Dundee and participation in the Nuclear Culture research project with Arts Catalyst London.

• Digital Art
• New Media Art
• Internet Art
• +5 more

Prof Graham Shields is a Professor of Geology at University College London's Department of Earth Sciences. His research focuses on Earth's evolution through geochemical and isotopic analysis, particularly in the Precambrian and Cambrian periods. He investigates how the planet's surface environment co-evolved with life, with a focus on ocean/atmosphere composition during critical junctures like the Sturtian Snowball Earth event and Ediacaran-Cambrian transitions. His work combines field studies in Australia, Spain, and China with analytical techniques such as Rb-Sr dating, multi-isotope analysis, and sedimentary proxy development. Research themes include ocean oxygenation, redox dynamics, and the interplay between glaciation, volcanism, and biological innovations. Applied projects explore geochemical solutions for environmental issues like soil erosion and sustainable resource extraction. He leads the Precambrian Research Group and contributes to initiatives like the Life and the Planet initiative. Publications span Neoproterozoic climate modeling, Ediacaran ocean chemistry, and the geological time scale subdivision. Courses taught include GEOL0008 (Geochemistry).

• Geochemistry
• Earth System Science
• Precambrian Studies
• +4 more

Professor David Wright is a Professor of Health Services Research and Head of the School of Healthcare at the University of Leicester, and a Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Bergen, Norway. He is renowned for his contributions to healthcare education, winning Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching at two previous institutions. His research focuses on optimizing medicines for older adults, particularly in care home settings, dysphagia management, and pharmacogenomics. He has authored three books, contributed to multiple academic publications, and pioneered national guidelines for dysphagia. His work includes developing the swallowingdifficulties.com platform and the 'Pharmaquest' app to support healthcare professionals. With over £8M in research funding and 15 completed PhD supervisions, he chairs national pharmacy practice reviews and develops MOOCs on medicines management and complex interventions. Education: Details not explicitly provided in text. Research Interests: Optimizing geriatric pharmacology, dysphagia treatment protocols, pharmacogenomics applications, and pedagogical strategies for pharmacist training. Awards: Multiple teaching accolades and leadership in national healthcare guidelines. Grants: £8M+ as Principal Investigator, with focuses on intervention trials and healthcare system improvements. His research methodologies emphasize complex intervention evaluations, including systematic reviews and randomized trials. The swallowingdifficulties.com resource and Pharmaquest app reflect his commitment to translational research impacting clinical practice. He collaborates internationally, evidenced by his dual academic roles and cross-disciplinary projects.

• Health Services Research
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Geriatric Medicine
• +5 more

James Darling is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Materials at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of the Environment and Life Sciences and the Department of Environmental Geography and Geosciences. His research focuses on planetary crust evolution, shock metamorphism, and micro-scale geochemical analysis using advanced techniques like atom probe tomography and femtosecond laser ablation. He leads the Centre for Applied Geosciences and the Institute of the Earth and Environment, exploring topics such as Martian magmatism, lunar impact basins, and early Earth crust formation. Darling’s work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and analytical tools to decode geological records from meteorites and terrestrial samples. He supervises PhD students on projects involving ore deposits, impact processes, and planetary evolution. Education : Not explicitly stated in provided texts. Research Themes : Planetary crust evolution, impact events, microstructural geochronology, ore systems, and analytical geochemistry. His recent publications highlight discoveries such as a 4.33 billion-year-old lunar impact basin and insights into Martian meteorite origins. He actively collaborates on international projects, including analyses of returned extraterrestrial samples.

• Planetary Science
• Geochemistry
• Geochronology
• +6 more

Professor Richard Lucas holds a Sêr Cymru Research Chair in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University. He has previously held academic and research positions at the University of New South Wales, the Australian Federal Government, and Swansea University. His research focuses on Earth observation and ecosystem dynamics, particularly in terrestrial and coastal environments. His expertise lies in utilizing satellite remote sensing to quantify ecosystem responses to climatic and anthropogenic changes. Key research areas include forest biomass estimation, mangrove monitoring, land cover change detection, and environmental sustainability. He has developed innovative frameworks such as the Earth Observation Data for Ecosystem Monitoring (EODESM) and leads the national Living Wales project for land cover monitoring. His recent publications highlight a strong trend in using multi-source Earth observation data—especially Landsat, Sentinel, and GEDI lidar—for global and regional environmental assessments. These works span topics such as mangrove resilience under tropical cyclones, habitat mapping, soil moisture analysis, and biomass modeling, reflecting a cohesive focus on sustainable ecosystem management through advanced remote sensing. Professor Lucas leads several externally funded research projects with agencies including the European Space Agency, the Welsh Government, and the Australian Research Council. Notable initiatives include CCI-BIOMASS, EO4AgroClimate, and the Global Mangrove Watch. His datasets, such as the Australia's Mangrove Portal and Plant Biomass Library, are publicly available and widely used in the scientific community. He has contributed significantly to policy-relevant science, with research impacting coastal land use policy and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action and life on land. His work has been featured in media outlets and policy documents, demonstrating broad societal impact. Professor Lucas is actively involved in international collaborations and scientific outreach, regularly presenting at workshops and conferences such as Living Coasts and Dynamics Coasts. He mentors researchers and contributes to editorial and peer-review activities, further strengthening the scientific community in Earth observation and environmental informatics.

• Remote Sensing
• Earth Observation
• Ecosystem Dynamics
• +10 more