Ian Matthews

Ian Matthews is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, affiliated with the Department of Geography and the Centre for Quaternary Research. He holds a BSc (2002), MSc (2003), and PhD (2009) from Royal Holloway, specializing in applying tephrochronology to wetland archaeology. His research focuses on abrupt climatic events, geochronology, and the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition (16,000–8,000 years ago), employing palaeoecological proxies and sedimentology alongside advanced chronological techniques.

Teaching includes undergraduate courses GG2041 (Environmental Change) and GG3043 (Past Climates and Environments), emphasizing methodological precision and independent research skills. At the postgraduate level, he contributes to the MSc in Quaternary Science, including fieldtrips and specialized courses like Tephrochronology. His research explores climate-human interactions through archaeological integration, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability.

• Research interests: Abrupt climate change impacts, tephrochronology, Quaternary environmental dynamics.
• Key projects: Chronology of Star Carr archaeological site, climate variability in South Wales, and sediment studies in Scotland.

Collaborations span international networks, including the QRA working Group on Tephra in Quaternary Science. His work advances interdisciplinary chronologies and environmental reconstructions, with outputs published in journals like Journal of Quaternary Science and Quaternary Science Reviews.