In January, Professor Tamsin Mather, Supernumerary Fellow in Earth Sciences, became the new chair of the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group.

The Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group is a joint special interest group of the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Geological Society of London. We are the main hub for the UK community of igneous, volcanic and magmatic scientists. VMSG is the official UK representative for IAVCEI, which is part of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). The IUGG is one of 40 Unions and Associations under the International Science Council.

Professor Mather’s main research interests centre on the science behind volcanoes and volcanic behaviour. Her motivation is to understand volcanoes as (a) natural hazards, (b) a key planetary scale process throughout geological time, vital for maintaining habitability and (c) natural resources (e.g., geothermal power and the development of ore deposits).

Professor Mather commented: “I am really excited to be taking over as VMSG chair. I gave my first PhD conference talk at a VMSG meeting many years ago and it played a key role in introducing me to the UK community. Sally will be a hard act to follow but is leaving the committee in excellent shape full or ideas and energy to take things forward. I am very much looking forward to working with you all.”

Professor Mather has also collaborated with Dr Bryony Mathew (1996, Experimental Psychology), British Ambassador to Iceland, to create some resources for children on volcanoes as well as consulting on a new children’s book following the adventures of a young volcanologist. The book is available to buy here.

Published: 15 February 2022

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