Geoscience Professor and Diversity Advocate Named Honorary Doctor
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences' new honorary doctor, Christopher Aiden-Lee Jackson, is honored for his research that has significantly impacted our understanding of earthquakes, volcanism, and the extraction of natural resources. Moreover, he is recognized for his dedication to diversity, inclusion, and equality.
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- It is extremely gratifying that Professor Jackson is being named an honorary doctor at the University of Bergen (UiB). He has established himself as a groundbreaking researcher across a wide spectrum of our disciplines and is one of the foremost geoscientists of his generation. He has led the geosciences towards the energy transition and has been a highly active and passionate communicator of the subject in traditional and social media. Most importantly, he has been one of our most prominent role models for minorities in academia, and a bold and outspoken advocate for equality, inclusion, and diversity, says Dean Gunn Mangerud at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences on the appointment.
Strong Connection to the University of Bergen
- I can't think of many places more inspiring than Bergen. The city's location, history, and the beautiful old buildings give UiB a sense of grandeur. It is a very inspiring place to work, says Professor Christopher Aiden-Lee Jackson.
He has a strong connection to UiB, developed through collaborations with UiB's geoscientific research communities over the years. This includes a research term spent at UiB in 2020-2021. He is clear about the significance of this collaboration:
- First and foremost, there are some truly nice and supportive people at UiB. Open, collaborative, and friendly individuals who have been really important in my professional development. I work best when I am with people I trust and get along with, allowing me to stretch my scientific limits and that I may ultimately fail at.
- I think the collaboration with UiB has pushed me in terms of asking more difficult questions and setting up projects that I would probably otherwise have been reluctant to undertake.
From 2002 to 2004, he worked as a research geologist for Norsk Hydro at Sandsli – where he was part of a team that answered questions about the extraction of oil and gas in the North Sea. After work, he enjoyed the opportunities in the area, whether it was skiing, cycling, and running in the mountains, or exploring Askøy and Sotra:
- For me, it's about more than just thriving at work; it's also crucial to have a satisfying and inspiring life outside of it.
«The Leading and Most Productive Researcher of His Generation»
Jackson is a renowned researcher with significant influence. The Geological Society of London has described him as «the leading and most productive researcher in his field of his generation», and he has received numerous honors and prizes; including the 2021 Geological Society of London Coke Medal; the 2021 AAPG Geoscience in the Media Award; the 2021 Geological Society of America Honorary Fellow; the 2020 Imperial College President's Award for Excellence in Societal Engagement; the 2016 Geological Society of America Thompson Distinguished Lecturer Award; and the 2013 Geological Society of London Bigsby Medal.
He is a global leader in utilizing the analysis of three-dimensional seismic data to characterize and understand geological processes underground, combined with field and modeling studies. From this methodological platform, he has developed significant research breadth and operated at the forefront of various geoscientific fields, including the understanding of sedimentary basin development and sedimentary systems, structural development of faults, volcanic/magmatic systems, and salt tectonics. He has supervised nearly 50 Ph.D. students to their degrees during his time at Imperial College London and the University of Manchester.
Jackson is also a highly visible and active scientific communicator, from delivering popular science lectures to appearing in interviews and documentary series for an international TV audience; including BBC's "Expedition Volcano," "The Infinite Monkey Cage," and "Life Scientific," National Geographic's "X-Ray Earth," Channel 5's "The Pompeii Prophecy," and his podcast "A Grown-Up Guide to Planet Earth."
Moreover, Jackson has served as a vital role model by making school visits to inspire young individuals to pursue higher education and a scientific career.
First Black Lecturer in almost 200 Years
Particularly noteworthy was when, in 2020, he was the first black researcher to deliver the Royal Institution's annual Christmas Lecture —a prestigious annual lecture first held in 1825, televised on BBC.
- It was a great honor and very fun to be chosen as the lecturer. But obviously, I am not the first black person qualified for this, says Jackson.
Christmas Lectures 2020: Engine Earth - with Chris Jackson
He is a vocal advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has given lectures in various forums, regularly reaching out to the public on these topics.
Jackson has noted the work being done at UiB's Department of Geosciences to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion—the department won the Faculty's Health, Safety, and Environment Award in 2023 for its efforts. This includes articles in Khrono that he finds to have interesting perspectives.
- I believe that in order for science to really serve everyone, it needs to be inclusive in both whom it affects and who participates in it. I've engaged in several initiatives to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion, not just for black people, but also for other underrepresented groups, such as those who face economic or health-related barriers to participating in academia, Jackson remarks.
- I've worked to make fieldwork within the geosciences more inclusive and participated in initiatives to advance the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the field. I've written articles, delivered lectures, and influenced internal policies at universities to make them more inclusive.
Through interviews in leading news outlets like The Guardian, The Times, and BBC, as well as research-news media such as Nature, he has established himself as a clear and courageous spokesperson for increasing participation from currently underrepresented groups in international academia.
- I realise how lucky I am by being in the position as a full professor and feel incredibly privileged to have received, for the most part, positive media attention. For me, with my background, it's important to use this opportunity not just to earn more money or gain fame, but to facilitate an environment where everyone can feel valued, be engaged, and able to progress, says Jackson.
The University of Bergen congratulates him on his continued significant work and looks forward to the ceremony where the new candidates will be inaugurated as honorary doctors in the University Aula on May 24th.