Jean Poesen

Jean Poesen is currently a full-time Professor at the Department of Geology, Soil Science and Geoinformation (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland) and an Emeritus Professor at the Division of Geography and Tourism, KU Leuven (Belgium). His research spans geomorphology, soil erosion, land degradation, and human-environment interactions across temperate, Mediterranean, and tropical regions.

• Focus on soil conservation, gully erosion control, and reservoir sedimentation
• Supervised/co-supervised 60 PhD students across decades
• Authored 900+ publications, with h-index of 85 (Web of Science) and 114 (Google Scholar)
• Key editorial roles: Co-Editor of Catena, Advisory Board member of Earth Surface Processes and Landforms

Recent research includes:

• 2020: Erosion risk assessment in East Africa
• 2019: Soil bioengineering techniques for hazard control
• 2018: Loess belt human-environment imprints
• 2017: Grass root impacts on subsurface erosion

Scientific accolades:

• 2016 Alexander von Humboldt Medal (EGU)
• 2016 David Linton Medal (British Geomorphology Society)

Active in field-based research across Europe, Africa, SE Asia, and South America with over 100 research projects and leadership in establishing the European Society for Soil Conservation.