Sarah A. Gleeson

Sarah A. Gleeson serves as W3 Professor in Mineral Resources at Free University Berlin and Section Leader of Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany. She concurrently holds an Adjunct Professor position at the University of Alberta (2016-2026) and acts as Topic Director and Speaker for Georesources in the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment since 2019.

• Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Imperial College London (1992-1996)
• B.A. (mod.) in Geology, Trinity College Dublin (1988-1992)

Professor Gleeson's research integrates field geology with advanced geochemical analysis to investigate ore deposit formation mechanisms across diverse geological settings. Her primary focus encompasses sedimentary basin-hosted mineralization, hydrothermal fluid-rock interactions in the critical zone, and halogen geochemistry signatures associated with economic mineral deposits. This work bridges fundamental earth science with practical applications in sustainable mineral resource development.

Her extensive professional recognition includes the prestigious Society of Economic Geologists Waldemar Lindgren Award and the Mineralogical Association of Canada Young Scientist Award, reflecting both research excellence and educational impact. Gleeson has shaped disciplinary discourse through leadership roles including Gordon Conference chairmanship and editorial board service for Geochemical Perspectives.

• Chair, Gordon Conference on Geochemistry of Mineral Deposits (2022)
• Thayer Lindsley Travelling Lecturer, Society of Economic Geologists (2019)
• Distinguished Lecturer, Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland (2019)
• Faculty of Science University of Alberta teaching honors (2013-2014)
• H.S. Robinson Medal, Geological Association of Canada (2011-2012)
• William Harvey Gross Award (2010)
• Mineralogical Association of Canada Young Scientist Award (2010)
• Society of Economic Geologists Fellow and Waldemar Lindgren Award (2007)
• Judd Prize, Imperial College London (1966)

Professor Gleeson maintains active mentorship through Gordon Conference Power Hours and the DOME SPP gender equality committee while providing industry consultancy for major resource companies including Shell, Mobil, and ATAC Resources Ltd. Her current research program at GFZ explores sustainable resource extraction methodologies and advanced geochemical fingerprinting of mineralization processes.

As Section Leader at GFZ's Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry division, Gleeson directs a multidisciplinary team investigating isotope systematics and fluid inclusion chemistry to develop predictive models for mineral deposit formation. Her ongoing projects integrate field studies with laboratory analyses to address critical questions in resource geoscience and environmental geochemistry.