Academics discuss their research

Eruptions and Evolution

Discover how world- leading experts in volcanology and climate modelling are shaping our knowledge of global change and human development.

Professor Paul Valdes and Dr Joy Singarayer

Paul Valdes and Joy Singarayer combine knowledge of past climate change with computer climate models in order to understand, test and improve predictions of future climate change. The work involves applying mathematics and physics to climate models, as well as using Geological and Geographical knowledge of past climate change. Video credit: Yoho Media

Professors Peter Haggett and Ron Johnston

Professor Peter Haggett: Much of my research over the last forty years has been on "diffusion waves". The topic was first developed by the Swedish geographer, Torsten Hägerstrand working at Lund, in the 1940s. At Hägerstrand suggestion I began work on multiple-wave models to complement his single-wave work. I did this first by looking at the way in which shock waves moved through the spatial economy. Later - and largely by an accident which brought me into contact with the epidemic group at WHO Geneva - I moved over to study the spatial spread of epidemic waves. And its this topic which has dominated my research since.

Professor Ron Johnston: The UK's electoral system is no longer fit for purpose, but each of the main political parties wants to reform it in a different way. How can we get them to evaluate all the main options in a non-partisan way against pre-defined criteria, and then give the electorate a proper choice - as they do in New Zealand? Video credit: Yoho Media

Dr Jemma Wadham

My research is focused on understanding glaciers and ice sheets, which cover large areas of the planet and about which we know very little. I'm trying to understand how ice sheets work and how they might effect other components in the Earth's system. Video credit: Yoho Media