Dianne Edwards

Dianne Edwards is a Part-Time Research Professor at Cardiff University's School of Earth and Ocean Sciences. With a career spanning decades, she has held leadership roles including Head of School (2003-2009) and Director of Innovation & Engagement (2009). Her academic journey began with a Natural Science Tripos at Cambridge University (1961-1964), followed by a PhD in Lower Devonian plants in Britain (Cornell and Cambridge, 1964-1967).

• Education
  • Natural Science Tripos, Double First, Botany (1964)
  • PhD in Lower Devonian plants (Cambridge University, 1967)

Her research focuses on early terrestrial ecosystems, palaeobotany, and plant-animal interactions. Key projects include studies of Silurian/Devonian fossils in Wales and China, spore ultrastructures, synchrotron imaging, and geochemical analyses of ancient flora.

Edwards has received numerous accolades, including the Lapworth Medal (2013), CBE (1999), and Fellow of the Royal Society (1996). She has served on advisory panels for NERC, DEFRA, and the Royal Society Council, and currently holds £6,515 annual research funding since 2000.