معرفی
Professor John Howell is a Chair in Virtual Geosciences at the School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen. He has been a Professor there since 2012, following academic and industry roles in Norway and the UK. His research bridges sedimentology, digital field methods, and energy transition geoscience. He leads multiple international research initiatives and collaborates widely across academia and industry.
Education:
- BSc in Geology, Cardiff University, 1988
- PhD in Geology, University of Birmingham, 1992 — Dissertation: Sedimentology of the Rotliegend of the UK Southern North Sea
John Howell's research is centered on virtual geosciences, focusing on digital outcrop modeling using LiDAR and drones, virtual field trips, and the use of geological analogues to improve subsurface models for reservoirs, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and hydrogen storage. His work spans clastic sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, and reservoir modeling, with field areas including the Colorado Plateau (Utah), the North Sea, and global deep-water systems. He pioneered virtual outcrop geology and co-founded V3Geo, a public repository hosting over 500 virtual models.
His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating digital technologies—such as machine learning and photogrammetry—into geological analysis and education. Themes include reservoir heterogeneity, virtual field trip efficiency, and the application of modern depositional systems to ancient subsurface analogues. His work increasingly supports the energy transition, particularly in subsurface storage and sustainable resource management.
Scientific Awards:
- Perce Allen Award (2018)
- ExxonMobil Young Researcher Award (2000)
- Alaister Pilkinton Award for Excellence in Teaching (2000)
John Howell has supervised 56 PhD students and leads or co-leads five major Joint Industry Projects (JIPs), including the fifth phase of the SAFARI project, funded by nine energy companies and the Research Council of Norway. His research has attracted significant industry and public funding, supporting numerous postdocs and PhD candidates. He collaborates with institutions in Bergen, Leeds, Manchester, Oslo, and Barcelona.
He is actively involved in knowledge exchange, having developed V3Geo, presented TEDx talks, and appeared in numerous TV documentaries such as 'The Big Monster Dig', 'Dinosaur Detectives', and 'World's Deadliest Jobs'. He also produced educational content like 'Drone vs Volcano' with over 375,000 views.
