The interdisciplinary study of volcanic processes requires a multitude of approaches, ranging from analogue and numerical modelling to observations and fieldwork and extending to mathematics. In September 2025, a conference was held at the East African Institute for Fundamental Research in Kigali, affiliated with the University of Rwanda, a country which, along with the Democratic
How do we deliver a low-carbon future while meeting the world’s growing energy demands? On Wednesday 29 April, a webinar brought together professors and researchers from the Institute to explore practical, scalable solutions for the energy transition. Chaired by Professor Stuart Clarke, the session highlighted how fundamental research is enabling cleaner fuels, more efficient machines,
Two new PhD opportunities are being advertised to work on data centres cooling and particle dispersal in the atmosphere. Please see the details below.
The Cambridge Energy Masterclass was a two-day intensive meeting of lectures and discussions, with talks from leading experts in various aspects of energy demand and supply. It focussed on the energy transition and the technologies needed to optimise new energy systems. We discussed the current energy system, and the different contributions provided by a number
PhD student Poorya Shaghaghi recently took part in the 2025 International Video Challenge developed by the journal Buildings & Cities and the Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Assocation. This challenge is open to PhD students worldwide, and gives them an opportunity to showcase their research and explain the significance of their work.
A Summer Garden Party & Hog Roast was held at the Bullard Labs on Thursday 19 June to celebrate Marie Edmonds’ election to the Royal Society. Marie has also recently been chosen as the new Head of the Department of Earth Sciences. This was a lovely evening, with plenty of food, flowers and smiles. Thank
On Monday 9 June, an event was held at the University to celebrate members of staff who have been in Cambridge for 25 years. The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice. Several members of the Institute were among the smiling participants, including Catherine, Lotty, Jie and Andy. Congratulations to all!
Clare Hall PhD student Poorya Shaghaghi has recently been awarded a Mellon bursary by his College. This award is given by Clare Hall to up to four students, based on academic merit. Poorya joined the Institute during Easter term, and is now working under the supervision of professor Woods. His research focusses on the ventilation
On Tuesday 20 May, 60 Year-4 children from our local primary school visited the Earth Sciences department. They explored different volcanic processes and new technologies for the energy transition in the IEEF Flow Labs, and discovered fossils from the chalk sea that covered Cambridge 90 million years ago at the Collections Research Centre.
On Saturday 17 May, alumni from the Department of Earth Sciences visited the Institute and the Bullard Laboratories. Professor Andy Woods presented some of the research which is currently being developed at the Institute, including work on carbon and hydrogen storage, CO2 dissolution in aquifers, and electrolysis. Andy also discussed our recent experiments on the