Robert Hilton

Robert Hilton is a Professor of Sedimentary Geology and Tutorial Fellow in Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, affiliated with St Peter’s College. He holds a BA/MSci/MA from the University of Cambridge in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Earth Sciences from Cambridge under advisors Dr. Albert Galy and Dr. Niels Hovius. His career includes roles at Durham University and research fellowships in Paris.

His research focuses on Earth’s carbon cycle, particularly the interplay between erosion, weathering, and CO2 exchange between atmosphere and rocks. Key interests include organic carbon oxidation in sedimentary rocks, climate feedback mechanisms, and carbon sequestration in Arctic rivers. He has pioneered geochemical methods to quantify carbon fluxes, notably using rhenium isotopes and CO2 emissions measurements.

Recent projects include the ERC-funded RIV-ESCAPE initiative studying temperature-driven CO2 release from permafrost and the ROC-CO2 project on global rock organic carbon oxidation. His work highlights positive climate feedbacks from warming-induced CO2 emissions in Arctic regions.

• Grants: ERC Starting Grant (2015), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), UK NERC grants.
• Awards: 2019 Leverhulme Prize, 2018 Blavatnik Finalist, 2016 Chinese Academy Sciences Award, 2014 EGU Outstanding Young Scientist.

Teaching emphasizes research-led approaches in sedimentary geology, carbon cycles, and biogeochemistry. He supervises graduate students and collaborates internationally on projects linking geomorphic processes to climate systems.