Madeleine Humphreys

Professor Madeleine Humphreys is a distinguished academic in the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University, holding the position of Professor with research focused on igneous petrology, volcanology and magmatism. Her work centers on understanding magma storage, chemical evolution and migration within the Earth's crust using both natural materials and experimental approaches.

Her research interests primarily focus on using crystal textures to understand magma solidification processes and crystal mush behavior, as well as investigating volatiles in volcanic processes including fluid exsolution timing and metal enrichment in volcanic settings. Current projects include ERC Consolidator and NERC-funded research on crystal textures, apatite geochemistry, sintering effects on volcanic behavior, and porphyry copper mineralizing systems.

Professor Humphreys' recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on crystal mush processes, volatile behavior in magmatic systems, and the application of apatite geochemistry to understand magmatic-hydrothermal transitions. Her work spans multiple geological settings including arc magmatic systems, layered intrusions, and volcanic centers worldwide, with particular attention to the physical and chemical processes controlling magma evolution.

• Wager Medal, IAVCEI (2019)
• Max Hey medal, Mineralogical Society of Great Britain (2012)
• President's Award, Geological Society of London (2008)
• Editorial board member, Geology (2017)
• Associate Editor, Journal of Petrology (2020-2024)

Professor Humphreys actively supervises numerous PhD and MSc students while leading a vibrant volcanology-petrology research group at Durham. Her current students are investigating diverse topics including sintering textures, apatite volatile geochemistry, crystal textures in plutonic rocks, and lithium enrichment in granites. She has secured significant research funding from ERC, NERC, and Leverhulme Trust for her innovative work on magma processes. The group maintains active collaborations with researchers worldwide and utilizes both field-based and experimental approaches to advance understanding of magmatic systems.