Janek Walk

Dr. Janek Walk is a postdoctoral researcher (Akademischer Rat) at the Chair of Geomorphology, Institute of Geography and Geology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. He previously held postdoctoral positions at RWTH Aachen University (2020–2022) and the University of Vienna (2023–2024). His work focuses on dryland geomorphology, Quaternary geochronology, and human-environment interactions in arid regions.

• Current affiliation: Chair of Geomorphology, JMU Würzburg
• Prior affiliations: Department of Geography and Regional Research (University of Vienna), Chair of Physical Geography (RWTH Aachen)

Research interests include:

• Geomorphological processes in hyperarid environments (Atacama Desert, Namibia, Central Mongolia)
• Dating techniques (terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides, Schmidt-hammer exposure dating)
• Human impacts on fluvial systems, sediment budgets, and mining
• Integration of satellite remote sensing and UAS-based photogrammetry
• VR/AR applications for visualizing slow landscape processes

Recent publications analyze sediment dynamics in Central European reservoirs, alluvial fan evolution in the Atacama Desert, and dune movement on the Tibetan Plateau. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations involving geochemistry, sedimentology, and climate science.

Scientific awards include:

• Univie Teaching Award 2025
• Borchers Badge (RWTH Aachen, 2021)
• Dissertation Award (German Society for Geomorphology, 2020)
• Friedrich-Wilhelm Award (RWTH Aachen, 2018)
• Springorum Commemorative Coin (RWTH Aachen, 2017)

He has contributed to projects like SFB 1211 (transport/deposition studies) and WUEDIVE (XR for geomorphological teaching). His methodological expertise includes GIS, remote sensing, terrestrial photogrammetry, and geochemical analysis.