Robert van der Hilst

Robert van der Hilst is the Schlumberger Professor of Earth Sciences in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT. He served as Department Head from 2012-2025 and previously directed MIT's Earth Resources Laboratory (2004-2012). He holds a PhD in Geophysics from Utrecht University and maintains a Visiting Professorship at Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris since 1998.

His research focuses on understanding Earth's deep interior structure through seismic imaging techniques. Key interests include: mantle convection patterns, subduction zone dynamics, continental evolution, and the integration of seismology with geodynamics/mineral physics. He develops advanced methods in global reflection seismology and seismic tomography to study structures from crustal basins to core-mantle boundaries.

He has received significant recognition including:

• Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2014)
• VICI Innovative Research Award (2003)
• James B. Macelwane Medal (1997)
• Packard Fellowship (1998-2003)
• Doornbos Memorial Prize (1996)

At MIT, he has advised 18 PhD students including current faculty at Yale, Princeton, and leading research institutions. He has mentored 15 postdoctoral scholars and secured research funding from NSF, Packard Foundation, and international sources. He established cross-disciplinary collaborations through the Earth Resources Laboratory and maintains active international partnerships.