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Professor of Glaciology, Fulbright Scholar, University of Tromsø

Alun is an applied glaciologist and geophysicist interested in subglacial processes, cryosphere / methane-hydrate interactions and the dynamic response of ice sheets to atmospheric, oceanic and geological forcing. He currently holds an Arctic Five Research Chair and is a Fulbright Scholar addressing the stability of the Greenland ice sheet and its impact on the environment, landscape, carbon-cycle, and global sea-level rise. His approach applies novel field-data to improve process understanding within models with ongoing projects across the Arctic, focusing on Greenland, Alaska, Svalbard and the Barents Sea with additional interests in Patagonia, Alaska, Asia and Antarctica. He has led over 60 research/exploration expeditions (without mishap) across all frozen regions of the planet, many conducted self-sufficiently from his own sailboat and/or a heli-logistics non-profit he set up. He is a popular commentator on icy matters in the news and media, has presented at various summits (e.g. WEF/COP) and featured in gong-winning documentaries including Chasing Ice, Frozen Planet (1 & 2), Our Planet, Operation Iceberg, Into the Ice etc. He loves to play in high latitudes with skis, bikes, boats, bush aircraft and doggies with waggley tails.

Experience

  • –present
    Professor of Glaciology, University of Tromsø

Education

  • 2003 
    Edinburgh University, PhD
  • 1990 
    Oxford University, BA Hons (First class)