Jan Kaiser

Jan Kaiser is a Professor of Biogeochemistry at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA). He is also a member of the Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and ClimateUEA. His roles include Director of the Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (2017-2022) and Head of the Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Sciences sector. He teaches modules such as Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Change and oversees the Year Abroad program.

• Education:
  • PhD in Chemistry (2002), Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz
  • MSc in Chemistry (1998), University of Bremen
  • Industrial Training at Southampton Oceanography Centre and WWF Germany

His research focuses on global biogeochemical cycles, integrating fieldwork, lab studies, and modeling. Key areas include isotopic analysis of nitrous oxide (N₂O), stratospheric chemistry, and marine productivity. He pioneered methods for nitrate isotope analysis in polar regions and developed sea-going instruments like the membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) for dissolved gas measurements.

Recent projects include studies on Arctic lakes, greenhouse gas fluxes in oceans, and the development of isotopic reference materials. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable ecosystems.

Awards: Gary Comer Fellowship, Harry Hess Fellowship, Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award, and multiple grants from NERC and EU Horizon projects.

He advises PhD students and collaborates globally on projects like CERBERUS and POLYGRAM. His lab (Kaiser Group) offers nitrate isotope analysis services and leads initiatives like the UEA Glider Group for oceanographic data collection.