Fred Jourdan

Professor Fred Jourdan is a distinguished geochronologist and geochemist at Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Australia. He serves as the director of the Western Australian Argon Isotope Facility (part of the John de Laeter Center) and Head of the Geology discipline. With over 200 published papers, his research has established him as a leading expert in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and isotopic geochemistry.

Dr. Jourdan's research primarily focuses on applying and developing the 40Ar/39Ar chronometer to establish temporal constraints on large igneous provinces, volcanic activity, and impact craters on Earth and throughout the solar system. His work spans diverse fields including archaeology, tectonics, volcanology, and planetary sciences. He has made significant methodological contributions to the 40Ar/39Ar dating technique, expanding its applications to unusual geological problems and extraterrestrial materials. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on mantle plumes, impact cratering events, and the tectonic evolution of various regions worldwide.

His extensive publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple geological eras, from Precambrian tectonics to recent volcanic activity. The articles show particular strength in applying geochronological techniques to solve complex problems in planetary science, large igneous province evolution, and impact crater formation. His collaborative approach is evident through numerous international partnerships across diverse geological disciplines.

As an educator, Professor Jourdan serves as unit coordinator for Fundamentals of Geology – 1 (FOG1), where he teaches Earth and Planetary Sciences to large student cohorts. He employs innovative teaching methods including flip and micro-flip pedagogies supported by emerging technologies such as Echo360 real-time online quizzes and Groupmap online brainstorming tools. His commitment to public outreach includes school visits, radio interviews, news articles, museum seminars, and popular magazine articles through CSIRO's Scientist in School initiative.

Professor Jourdan also serves as Associate Editor for the journal Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta and as Radiation Safety supervisor for the Geology department. He actively organizes laboratory tours for primary school students and maintains a professional presence on Twitter (@Jourdan_Fred) to share his research and passion for science with broader audiences.