Select Committee on Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Written Evidence


Memorandum 37

Submission from Durham University

1.  INTRODUCTION

  This paper describes Durham University's work with respect to energy research. It supports the University's and ONE North East's Energy and Environment Strategies.

2.  BACKGROUND

  Society's use of energy and the impact which it is having on our environment is one of the most pressing social and scientific issues of the age. This is exemplified by scientific observation, Government policy, social comment and media interest.

  The North-East has a long history as an important energy region for the UK economy, but faces critical challenges in securing a role in the new energy economy and developing a sustainable energy future.

  These challenges include the technical issues of obtaining energy supply from fossil and renewable sources, the capacity to develop new energy sources, including nuclear, understanding the changing nature of demand for energy, addressing environmental impacts, engaging the public in different energy scenarios, coping with fuel poverty, and the wider issues of security.

  Durham University has a long history studying social, technological and scientific aspects of the environment and is addressing these challenges by identifying the key determinants of sustainable energy futures.

3.  DURHAM STRENGTH IN ENERGY TEACHING AND RESEARCH

  Durham University runs undergraduate degrees in Natural Science (BSc), Environmental Science (MSci) and New & Renewable Energy (MEng). It also runs postgraduate courses in Environmental Science (MSc), New & Renewable Energy (MSc) and Plant Biomass Development (MSc).

  Durham has four interdepartmental Research Centres working on the study of these issues:

    —    Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems (CeREES) with expertise in fossil fuels, CO2 sequestration and earth-visualisation.

    —    Durham Centre for Renewable Energy (DCRE) with expertise in a wide range of renewable energy technologies, their integration, and role in society.

    —    Institute of Hazard and Risk Research (IHRR) with expertise on energy in society, specialising in the environmental, social, cultural and political dimensions of energy use.

    —    Institute of Plant and Microbial Sciences (IPMS) with expertise in plant and microbial genetics and crop productivity for biofuels and biomass.

  These Research Centres are based upon Durham's strengths in the following:

    —    World class research work in Energy & Environment in a combination of scientific, technological and social science Research Departments working on a compact campus in an interdisciplinary environment.

    —    The high research standing of these Departments (RAE Grades Physics 5, Chemistry 5**, Biological and Biomedical Sciences 5, Engineering 5, Earth Sciences 4 and Geography 5**).

    —    The connectivity of the research work being done to Regional, National & International agenda. Including the development of regional businesses and spin-out companies, involvement with the New and Renewable Energy Centre, Blyth (NaREC), academic leadership in national research programmes, including the SUPERGEN, advice to national and international businesses, and a range of connections to international research organisations and universities.

  This research impact is described in detail in Appendix II, underlining the excellence of the research base.

4.  DURHAM ENERGY RESEARCH VISION

  Durham's interdisciplinary expertise places it in a strong position to address the Nation's research strategy in Energy & Environment, working with Regional partners to develop an innovative research agenda which contributes to the joint Research Council's Energy Programme (RCEP).

  In the past energy research has been characterised by reliance on technology and economics as the basis for policy.

  In the future technical, economic, environmental, social, political and cultural dimensions will need to be addressed in a holistic manner. Durham University proposes to focus research in Energy & Environment, together with regional partners, on the four multidisciplinary University Research Centres described above.

  Durham's strategy prioritises multidisciplinary research which integrates future social, scientific and technological work in the following holistic Themes:

    —    Systems, Products and Materials for New Energy Futures (DCRE) including:

    —  large scale wind;

    —  microgeneration; and

    —  photovoltaics.

    —    Energy, Environment and Society (IHRR & IPMS) including:

    —  governing energy systems;

    —  public engagement with energy futures;

    —  energy and equity; and

    —  plant and microbial genetics for biomass and biofuel production.

    —    Carbon Sequestration and Petroleum Geoscience (CeREES):

    —  carbon Capture and Storage; and

    —  subsurface characteristics.

  The following Venn diagram illustrates Durham's Energy Research structure, described in more detail in the Appendices. A list of Durham staff involved in Energy research are listed in Appendix III.





5.  APPENDIX I, RESEARCH CENTRES, GROUPS AND COMPANIES

5.1  University Research Centres

  5.1.1  Durham Centre for Renewable Energy (DCRE) Director Prof K Durose, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry & Geography Depts:

    —    Photovoltaic materials,

    —    Wind energy,

    —    Wave energy,

    —    Thermodynamic and electrical energy conversion,

    —    Microgeneration and networks, and

    —    Social implications of new energy sources.

  5.1.2  Centre for Research on Earth Energy Systems (CeREES) Director Prof R Davies, Sciences, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Computer Sciences, Chemistry Depts:

    —    Digital acquisition and visualisation of sub-surface features reservoirs,

    —    Forecasting and analysing risk,

    —    Geomechanical modelling of reservoirs and wells,

    —    Global exploration studies, and

    —    Enhancing petroleum recovery.

  5.1.3  Institute of Hazard & Risk Research (IHRR) Director Prof P Macnaghten, Geography, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering Depts:

    —    Interdisciplinary Institute bridging science & social sciences,

    —    Responding to hazards & risks pervading natural & social life,

    —    Public response to risk in energy technologies including the nuclear industry, and

    —    Strong potential to develop and understand the social science impacts on/of energy use articulated though increased dialogue between the traditional, fossil fuel, and renewable technologies.

  5.1.4  Institute of Plant & Microbial Sciences (IPMS) Director of Research Prof K Lindsey, Biological and Biomedical Sciences:

    —    Metabolic engineering for increased yields of starch and oils in plants,

    —    Metabolic engineering for increased ethanol production in micro-organisms,

    —    Engineering of stress resistance in crops to maximize crop yield in response to climate change, and

    —    Engineering of crop protection against pests and pathogens to maximize crop yield in response to climate change.

5.2.  Spin-Out Companies

  5.2.1  Durham Pipeline Technologies (DPT):

    —    A supplier of innovative technical solutions for pipeline access, inspection and cleaning based on patented bristle tractor technology.

    —    Has an ambitious R&D programme backed by an extensive network of leading industrial and academic resources.

    —    http://www.dpt.co.uk/

  5.2.2  GeoPressure Technology (GPT):

    —    Provide highly acclaimed training and consultancy in sub-surface pressure problems,

    —    Projects backed by a suite of niche software designed to manage and visualise pressure data,

    —    http://www.geopressure.co.uk/index.htm

  5.2.3  Geospatial Research Ltd (GRL):

    —    Specialises in digital mapping and survey, and the application of geospatial technologies in petroleum and mineral exploration,

    —    Virtual outcrop models—reservoir analogues,

    —    3D immersive visualisation,

    —    http://www.dur.ac.uk/grl/index.htm

  5.2.4  Evolving Generation Ltd (EGL):

    —    Design of novel permanent magnet generator topologies suitable for large wind turbines.

    —    http://www.dur.ac.uk/scientific.enterprise/Evolving%20Gen%20Page.htm

6.  APPENDIX II, DURHAM'S RESEARCH IMPACT

6.1  Regional Impact

  Areas of Regional impact for Durham's research:

    —     Regional Industry:

    —  The creation from the University research platform of four successful, energy-related commercial spin-out companies, based in the North East, DPT, GPT, GRL & EGL. Details given above.

    —  Prof Durose collaborates via the PV.NE network with Romag Ltd, Consett, the largest manufacturer of architectural glass laminated solar modules in the world.

    —  DCRE is working with 4 local companies to develop new & renewable products, EMAT, Northumbria Plastics, Econnect, AMEC Wind Energy.

    —  CeREES is working with County Durham Environment Trust to do research on carbon sequestration involving regional partners such as HJBanks.

    —  CeREES is setting up collaborative outreach and research projects related to Earth energy resources with Sherburn Stone Ltd, the North Pennines World Geopark, Killhope Lead Mining Museum and Durham Country Council.

    —    North-East Centre for Environmental Science and Industry (NECESI), set up by Prof Huntley, undertakes contract work for the environmental industry sector in the Region and helps other clients address environmental problems. The Centre collaborated with Newcastle International Airport and Port of Tyne in developing environmental management schemes.

    —    New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) established by ONE North East at Blyth:

    —  Prof Tavner is a Director of NaREC and Chairman of their Advisory Panel

    —  Prof Durose works with PV Technology Centre, the UK's only centre for advanced products and industry -development interfacing.

    —  DCRE has set up of some of the electrical test equipment at NaREC.

    —    Newcastle Photovoltaic Applications Centre (NPAC) at University of Northumbria

    —  Prof Durose collaborates with NPAC, which is is a member of the SUPERGEN PV-21 consortium.

6.2  National Impact

  Areas of National impact for Durham's research:

    —    EPSRC SUPERGEN,

    —  Prof Durose is Principal Investigator for "Photovoltaic Materials for the 21st Century—PV-21" SUPERGEN III, £3 million grant, 2004-08.

    —  Prof Tavner is Principal Investigator for "Wind Energy Technologies" SUPERGEN V, £2.5 million grant, 2006-10.

    —    NERC "CLASSIC, Climate and Land-Surface Systems Interaction Centre" Centre of Excellence. Seeks to improve the representation of the land surface in climate models, thus contributing to improved predictions of potential future climate change that results principally from fossil fuel use. Prof Huntley is a Principal Investigator.

    —    NERC research on the potential impacts of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and feedback to the climate system. Prof Huntley and Dr Baxter are joint-funded.

    —    PV NET Durham University are founder members of the UK network of researchers in PV Materials and Devices. Prof Durose was coordinator for the Research Position Document for UK used by funding bodies in determining Strategy.

    —    National Industry:

    —  Two lectureships in Earth Sciences are funded directly by national oil companies (Total, Statoil UK).

    —  DCRE is working with national companies to develop new and renewable products, Carbon Concepts, Rugged Renewables, Future Solutions.

    —  Engineering has established the first New and Renewable final year option in K for four year MEng.

    —  Engineering has established a one year New and Renewable Energy MSc.

    —  Earth Sciences has a long history of training PhD and MSc students who have careers in the international oil and gas industry. The new Petroleum Geoscience PhD Scholarship Programme has funding from 10 oil and gas companies totalling £1 million.

    —  Prof Davies of CeREES has strong links with the oil and gas industry in the UK and DTI, through his career with Esso and Mobil.

    —  CeREES has been set up in collaboration with the Halcrow Group Ltd and involves sharing of laser scanning equipment.

    —  The Sea Level Research Unit has strong linkages with the nuclear power industry (Halcrow , Sellafield and Nuclear Electric) with respect to coastal stability.

    —    National Advisory bodies:

    —  Dr Bulkeley (IHRR) is an advisor to the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research advising on the social science impacts on governance and policy associated with climate change.

    —  Prof Hudson (IHRR) is a specialist advisor to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on the Select Committee on Coalfields Regeneration.

    —  Prof Lindsey (IPMS) is a member of the UK Government Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment.

    —  Prof Lindsey (IPMS) was a contributor to a House of Lords European Union Select Committee report on European Strategy for Biofuels (2006).

    —  Prof Slabas (IPMS) is a member of BBSRC's panels on Sustainable Agriculture and Bioenergy, Royal Society Fellowship Panel, Programme Advisory Committee for the DEFRA BBSRC LINK programme on Renewable Materials.

    —  Prof Holdsworth (CeREES) is Deputy Chair of the Information Advisory Group of the British Geological Survey.

    —  DCRE has five members of the EPSRC College (KD, KSC, JSOE, MCP, PJT).

6.3  International Impact

  Areas of International impact for Durham's research:

    —    EU FP 3,4 and 5 funding for PV Materials work, DCRE, Physics, Prof Durose.

    —    EU FP4 funding for Dynamics of the Arctic Treeline project, Biological & Medical Sciences, Prof Huntley.

    —    EU FP 5 funding for Electrical Extraction Technology in Hybrid Diesel Vehicles, Engineering, Dr Bumby.

    —    DCRE members are working with international companies, Cummins, Baxi Potterton, Pilkington, Antec Solar, First Solar, Whispertech New Zealand, to develop new and renewable products.

    —    CeREES is working with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation on the cleanup of oil producer waste waters.

    —    CeREES research is funded substantially to work on hydrocarbon exploration and production-related projects in the Caspian region, SE Brazil, offshore Norway and Greenland, Australia and SE Asia. Sponsors include BP, Shell, BG, Statoil and the UK government through both NERC and the DTI.

    —    Dr McCaffrey (CeREES) currently holds a Royal Society Industrial Fellowship working with the Global Structural Geology Network in BP.

    —    Prof Davies (CeREES) has strong international links to major upstream oil and gas companies, eg BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, ChevronTexaco.

    —    Dr Bulkeley (IHRR/DCRE) is working with Sanyo to investigate factors influencing uptake of PV in the EU.

    —    International Advisory bodies:

    —  Prof Durose (DCRE) is a founder member of "SOLARPACT" Transatlantic research network for thin film solar cells and EU lobby group.

    —  Dr Bulkeley (IHRR) collaborates on the social science impacts of climate change with the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research, Boulder Colorado and with Colorado State University.

    —  Prof Lindsey (IPMS) advises the Swiss National Science Foundation funding panel on GM crops.

    —  Prof Hussey (IPMS) advises the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology ZMBP at the University of Tbingen, and the Canada Board for Research Chairs.

    —  Prof Hudson (IHRR) is a collaborator to the MATISSE European Framework Programme assessing sustainable development and energy issues at the EU-level.

    —  Prof Hudson (IHRR) has international collaborations with the Jordanian and Saudi governments concerning sustainable energy policies.

    —  Prof Tavner (DCRE) is Technical Adviser to FKI plc an international manufacturing company for the energy industry.

7.  APPENDIX III RESEARCH FUNDING

  List of Research Funding totalling £23 million at Durham provided by ETI Industrial, Regional & Research Partners in the energy area:

LIST OF RESEARCH FUNDING AT DURHAM PROVIDED BY ETI INDUSTRIAL, REGIONAL & RESEARCH PARTNERS IN THE ENERGY AREA



Category
Durham Centre
Funder
Project
Funding, £k
Years
Data Source
Notes

Category 1 with ETI Industrial Partners
Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems
BP
GeoPOP Phase II.
210
1994-
2000
Richard Davies
BP have paid in the region of £35k per annum
BP
Chalk data for mudstone rock property database.
5
2004
Richard Davies
BP
Geological study of the Absheron Peninsula.
168
April-
May
2005
Richard Davies
BP
Quantifying fault zone evolution in rifted continenal margins.
150
Completed 2005
Richard Davies
Ocean Margins LINK with NERC & Statoil
BP
Geological study of the onshore area, Absheron Peninsula.
36
Nov 2005-
Sep
Richard Davies
BP
Basement-influenced oblique tectonics.
100
2005-08 still running
Richard Davies
BP
Investigating the porosity and permeability ehaviour of chalk and calcareous mudrocks.
44
2005-present
Richard Davies
£44k from BP, with Dr R E Swarbrick and British Gas
BP
Support for NERC CASE studentship.
45
2007-09 estimated 3 years
Richard Davies
£10-15k per year
BP
Mud volcanoes in the Azeri, Gunashli and Chirag Fields, Caspian Sea.
58
2003-05
Richard Davies
BP
Extrusive Domains of Mud Volcanoes.
3
2004-07
Richard Davies
BP
Intrusive Domains of Mud Volcanoes.
105
2007-present
Richard Davies
Shell
Fractured Reservoir 3-D Digital Atlas.
120
2006-08 still running
Richard Davies
ITF consortium with British Gas and DTI

Durham Centre for Renewable Energy
Rolls Royce
Advanced Technology Acquisition Programme (Passage Shaping)
248
2003-07
Grant Ingram
Rolls Royce
Support for Reseach Associate. Compressor blade design.
65
2005-08
Li He
Rolls Royce
Wind generator technologies
6
2001
Jim Bumby
Rolls Royce
Marine current turbine technologies
6
2002
Jim Bumby
EDF
Strategic Alliance Project Autonomous Regional Active Network Management Systems
50
2006-present
Phil Taylor
Eon UK
Network Impacts of Microgeneration
50
2006-present
Phil Taylor
TOTAL:
1,469




Category 2
with Regional Industrial Partners
Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems
Chevron Texaco, BP, Statoil, Ikon Science, Clair Field partnership, ENI, BG, Total, WesternGeco, Veritas and PGS
12 PhD topics to carry out research into Petroleum Energy and related themes.
1,000
2006-07
Richard Davies
Neftex
Neftex Black Sea—Greater Caspian project
21
Dec 2005-
Jan 2007
Richard Davies
WE project.
33
Dec 2005-
Jan 2007
Richard Davies
Statoil
PhD studentship
60
Oct 2007-09
Richard Davies
Estimated at £20k per year for 3 years
Institute of Hazard Risk Research
SANYO
Solar Cities in Europe: embedding photovoltaics
71
2007-10
Harriet Bulkeley
with DCRE
EAGA
Shower Flow Restrictor Study
30
2007
Harriet Bulkeley
CE Electric
Distribution Network Risk
110
Oct 2007-10
Phil Taylor
Econnect
Network Integration of Renewable Energy, Demand for Wind, Grid Connection tool
50
2007-09
Phil Taylor
PB Power
Exploitation of thermal properties of power systems
50
2006-09
Phil Taylor
Evolving Generation
Support for CASE studentship, towards a zero maintenance wind turbine
12
2005-07
Peter Tavner
Smith Electric Vehicles
Support for KTP associate. Development of electric vehicle drivers
20
2006-09
Jim Bumby
ONE Nort East
Building the Regional Capacity in Plant Biotechnology and Proteomics
143
2004-06
Keith Lindsey
NaREC
Support for research studentship. Network Impacts of Microgeneration
21
2006-09
Phil Taylor
NaREC
Support for research studentship. Fault tolerant low cost power converters
21
2005-09
Li Ran
NaREC
SSEZ laboratory facilities
21
2005-08
Phil Taylor
CPower
Tidal stream turbine—generator design
3
2007
Jim Bumby
Quiet Revolution
Braking system for small wind turbine
2
2007
Jim Bumby
Cummins Generator Technology
Thermal midelling of advanced generator configuration
250
2007-10
Khamid Mahlamov
Cummins Generator Technology
Support for CASE studentship. Generator thermal management
22
2007-10
Khamid Mahlamov
Cummins Turbo Technology
High speed induction motor models
2
2007
Jim Bumby
Siemens Power Technology
Support for Research Associate. Power turbine blade design.
65
2007-10
Li He
Scottish Power
Exploitation of thermal properties of power systems
50
2006-09
Phil Taylor
Scottish Power
Strategic Alliance Project Autonomous Regional Active Network Management Systems
50
2006-present
Phil Taylor
TOTAL:
2,106





Category 3
with Research Partners
Centre for Research
NERC
Support for CASE studentship.
Richard Davies
HEFCE
SRIF Support for energy related equipment
280
2006-07
Richard Davies
Durham Centre for Renewable Energy
EU FP5
High speed turbcharger assist for large diesel engines
227
2003-06
Jim Bumby
Industrial partners IVECO. Cummins
EPSRC
SUPERGEN Wind Project
2,550
2006-10
Peter Tavner
Total Project Value, Durham is Principal Investigator, working with Eon UK, Scottish Power, AMEC Wind, Garrad Hassan
EPSRC
Support for CASE studentship. Generator thermal management
45
2007-10
Peter Tavner
EPSRC
Fault tolerant low cost power converters
227
2005-08
Li Ran
EPSRC
Condition Monitoring of Power Electronic Converters, COMPERE
260
2007-09
Li Ran
EPSRC
Support for CASE studentship, towards a zero maintenance wind
45
2005-07
Peter Tavner
EPSRC
SUPERGEN Photovoltaics-PV21
4,100
2004-08
Ken Durose
Total Project Value, Durham is Principal Investigator, working with Kurt Lesker Ltd, Crystallox, First Solar, Antec Solar, Pilkington, Semimetrics
EPSRC
Strategic Alliance Project Autonomous Regional Active Network Management Systems
2,500
2006-09
Phil Taylor
The Project Value, Durham is Work Package Leader, working with ABB, EdF
EPSRC
Active Energy Management
125
2005-07
Phil Taylor
BBSRC
Functional analysis of regulatory genes expressed in spatially restricted domains of the Arabidopsis embryo
220
2004-07
Keith Lindsey
BBSRC
Oils in plants
2,200
2007-11
Toni Slabas
DTI
Support for KTP associate. Development of electric vehicle drives
70
2006-09
Jim Bumby
DTI
Exploitation of thermal properties of power systems
1,000
2006-09
Phil Taylor
Total Project Value, Durham carrying out all basic research elements
HEFCE
SRIF III, Chemical Genetics
2,991
2006-08
Keith Lindsey
HEFCE
SRIF Support for Energy including electron microscopes, workshop & testing equipment
2,800
2006-08
Ken Durose
TOTAL:
19,755
GRAND TOTAL:
23,330


8.  APPENDIX IV STAFF



Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems (CeREES)
Name
Position/Role
Department
Principal Research Interests

Richard Davies
Professor
Director of CeREES
Earth Sciences
Global Petroleum Systems and Processes
Bob Holdsworth
Professor,
Coordinator,
Deputy Director
Earth Sciences
Basin structures and 3-D visualisation

Chairman, Geospatial Research Ltd
Mark Allen
Reader,
Deputy Director
Secretary
Earth Sciences
Global to regional basin tectonics and stratigraphy
David Toll
Senior Lecturer
Deputy Director
Engineering
Geotechnical engineering systems and geo-mechanical properties
Michael Goldstein
Professor
Deputy Director
Mathematical Sciences
Bayesian statistical analysis & uncertainty analysis for physical models
Malcolm Munro
Professor
Deputy Director
Computer Sci/ e-Sciences Inst
Visualisation; Software Development, Maintenance and Evolution
Maurice Tucker
Professor
Earth Sciences
Carbonate systems and basins
Roger Searle
Professor
Earth Sciences
Marine geophysics & ocean-floor geomorphology & tectonics
Neil Goulty
Professor
Earth Sciences
Applied geophysics & overpressure
Brian Straughan
Professor
Mathematical Sciences
Fluid flow modelling
Jas Pal Badyal
Professor
Chemistry
Surface chemistry and petroleum
Refining
Richard Swarbrick
Reader
Chairman & MD of Geo-pressure Technology Ltd
Earth Sciences
Overpressure in sedimentary basins, mud-rock compaction and basin modelling
Christine Peirce
Reader
Earth Sciences
Marine geophysics, seismic acquisition
Daniel Donoghue
Reader
Geography
Geographical Information Systems
David Petley
Reader
Geography
Landslides and geotechnical processes
Fred Worrall
Senior Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Carbon dioxide sequestration
Ken McCaffrey
Senior Lecturer
Director of Geospatial Research Ltd.
Earth Sciences
Basin structures, 3-D visualisation and Digital Geological Mapping
Howard Armstrong
Senior Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Palaeontology and palaoenvironments
David Wooff
Senior Lecturer
Mathematical Sciences
Bayesian statistics
Allan Seheult
Senior Lecturer
Mathematical Sciences
History matching and prediction. Robust analysis of variance.
Jonathan Imber
Statoil Lecturer in Petroleum Structural Geology
Earth Sciences
Offshore tectonics, seismic interpretation & numerical modelling
Dougal Jerram
Total Lecturer in Petroleum Geosciences
Earth Sciences
Volcanic rifted margins, quantifying rock textures and 3-D visualisation
Stuart Jones
Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Clastic systems and basins; landscape evolution
Moyra Wilson
Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Carbonate systems and basins
David Selby
Lecturer (from 09/05)
Earth Sciences
Petroleum systems geochemistry
Steve Parman
Lecturer
Earth Sciences
High pressure experimental geochemistry
Colin Macpherson
Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Stable Isotopes & geochemistry
Glenn Milne
Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Modelling sea-level change & global geophysics
James Casford
Lecturer
Geography
Marine sedimentology and palaeo-ecology
Peter Craig
Lecturer
Mathematical Sciences
Bayesian statistics & statistical analysis of computer models
Djoko Wirosoetisno
Lecturer
Mathematical Sciences
Modelling fluid dynamics
Nick Holliman
Lecturer
Computer Sci/e-Science Inst.
3-D visualisation technology, applications & display systems
Shamus Smith
Lecturer
Computer Sci
Hazard analysis & safety
Charles Augarde
Lecturer
Engineering
Numerical modelling of sub-surface processes
Richard Hobbs
NERC Senior Research fellow
E-Sciences
Seismic processing, imaging & modelling 3-D visualisation
Richard Jones
Research Fellow

MD of Geospatial Research Ltd
E-Sciences
Digital characterisation of sub-seismic structures, 3-D visualisation, software development, quantification of uncertainty
Anthony Mallon
Research Fellow
Earth Sciences
Compaction & sealing of fine-grained sediments





Durham Centre for Renewable Energy (DCRE)
Name
Position/Role
Department
Principal Research Interests

Ken Durose
Professor,
Director of DCRE
Physics
Solar energy materials and device research
Karen Bickerstaff
Lecturer
Geography
Public response to risk / Social factors in energy
Andy Brinkman
Reader
Physics
Crystal growth, thin film deposition
Harriet Bulkeley
Lecturer
Geography
Urban sustainability / social factors in energy
Jim Bumby
Reader
Engineering
Electrical machines and systems, Hybrid electrical vehicles
Karl Coleman
Royal Society University Research Fellow
Chemistry
Carbon nano-materials
Alan Craig
Senior Lecturer
Mathematics
Mathematical modelling and numerical analysis
Antje Danielson
Sustainable Energy Advisor
Earth Sciences
Sustainable Energy Advisor / carbon sequestration
Danny Donoghue
Reader
Geography
Remote sensing and costal monitoring
Rob Dominy
Reader
Engineering
Aerodynamic flow around vehicles and wind generators
Ivana Evans
EPSRC Advanced Fellow
Chemistry
Inorganic materials and structure—physical property relationships
John Evans
Reader
Chemistry
Solid state chemistry and new materials
Li He
Professor
Engineering
Computational fluid dynamics
Douglas Halliday
Senior Lecturer
Physics
Luminescence spectroscopy of energy materials
Ray Hudson
Professor, Director of the Wolfson Research Institute
Wolfson Research Institute
Sustainable development and sustainable energy strategies
Michael Hunt
Lecturer
Physics
Surface science / carbon nanotubes
Keith Lindsey
Professor
Biological Sciences
Oil bearing plants
Khamid Mahkamov
Lecturer
Engineering
Stirling engines, Solar thermal power, Micro CHP
Mike Petty
Professor
Engineering
Organic electronics
Li Ran
Lecturer
Engineering
Power electronics; machine and power system control
Tim Short
Lecturer
Engineering
Solar power implementation
David Sims-Williams
Lecturer
Engineering
Solar car / power implementation
Ed Spooner
Emeritus Professor,
MD of Evolving Technology
Engineering
Machines of unusual topology for power extraction from renewable sources
Peter Tavner
Head of School of Engineering, Technical Director FKI Energy Technology
Engineering
Electrical machines, wind power, connection to network, condition monitoring
Phil Taylor
Lecturer,

Director of EConnect
Engineering
Integration of Renewable Energy in Electrical Networks / MSc course leader in New and Renewable Energy





Institute of Hazard and Risk Research (IHRR)
Name
Position/Role
Department
Principal Research Interests

Phil Macnaghten
Professor, Director of IHRR
Geography
Public attitudes, cultural dimensions of environmental and innovation policy,

Public engagement with emerging technologies.
Ash Amin
Professor
Geography
Economic and political geography; cities and regions in Europe.
Louise Amoore
Lecturer
Geography
Global geopolitics and the governance of worker and migrant bodies; the politics and practices of risk management (with specific reference to the rise of risk consulting as a technology of governing); and political and social theories of resistance and dissent.
Sarah Atkinson
Reader
Geography
Health and risk.
Karen Bickerstaff
Lecturer
Geography
Public understanding of environmental and technological risk.
Harriet Bulkeley
Lecturer
Geography
The multi-scale politics of climate change; environmental policy processes.
Alex Densmore
Reader
Geography
Tectonics and topography of mountains.
Danny Donoghue
Reader
Geography
Remote-sensing of vegetated terrain; hillslope geomorphology; computer aided learning techniques.
Christine Dunn
Senior Lecturer
Geography
Geographical Information Systems, with particular reference to use in Low Income Countries.
Rob Ferguson
Professor
Geography
River channels, sediment yield, meltwater hydrology, water chemistry, hillslope, glacial, and aeolian geomorphology.
Ray Hudson
Professor, Director of the Wolfson Research Institute
Geography
Sustainable development and sustainable energy strategies.
Matthew Kearnes
RCUK Fellow
Geography
Technology and risk.
Stuart Lane
Professor
Geography
Geomorphological surfaces, computational fluid dynamics, sediment transport, in-stream ecology, water quality, hillstream hydrology.
Antony Long
Professor
Geography
Coastal dynamics; sea-level and crustal movements on active and passive coastal margins; Late Quaternary Greenland ice sheet history.
Rachel Pain
Reader
Geography
Social identities and exclusions in urban space, especially violence, fear of crime and community safety. Geopolitics of fear and everyday experience.
Dave Petley
Professor, Wilson Chair in Hazard & Risk
Geography
Landslides and geotechnical processes.
Sim Reaney
RCUK Fellow
Geography
Risk based modelling of diffuse agricultural pollution.
Jonathan Rigg
Reader
Geography
Problems, tensions and potentialities of development in the Southeast Asian region.
Nick Rosser
RCUK Fellow
Geography
Slope failure. Ian Shennan Professor Geography Sea-level, coastal and environmental change, including future changes and impacts.
Ian Simmons
Emeritus Professor
Geography
Human-environmental relations, past and present.
Susan Smith
Professor
Geography
Geographies of inequality, geographies of housing policy, personal finance and community safety.
Jeff Warburton
Reader
Geography
Hydrology and geomorphology of gravel-bed rivers and mountain streams; peat erosion; geocryology; experimental geomorphology.
Yongqiang Zong
Senior Lecturer
Geography
Past and future coastal evolution, natural hazards, environmental monitoring and management using GIS and remote sensing technologies.
Catherine Panter-Brick
Professor
Anthropology
Critical risks to health and well-being; interdisciplinary studies of vulnerablity and resilience with exposure to adversity.
Di Bailey
Reader
Applied Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary risk assessment, planning and management in health and social care.





Institute of Plant and Microbial Sciences (IPMS)

Name
Position/Role
Department
Principal Research Interests
Brian Huntley
Professor, Director of IES
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Response of organisms, especially higher plants, to changing environment forecasting impacts of future change, with ecological and biogeographical consequences.
Ralf Ohlemu­ller
RCUK Fellow
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Climate and ecology.
Steve Lindsay
Professor
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Climate change impacts upon vector-borne diseases including malaria and West Nile Virus.
Bob Baxter
Senior Lecturer
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Climate change impacts upon ecosystem structure and function in the Arctic.
Martyn Lucas
Lecturer
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Impacts of environmental change upon river ecosystems and their biota.
Steve Willis
Lecturer
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Modelling climate change impacts upon species and biodiversity, especially butterflies and birds.
Jon Davidson
Professor
Earth Sciences
Volcanic hazards.
Richard Davies
Professor
Director of CeREES
Earth Sciences
Global petroleum systems and processes.
Bob Holdsworth
Professor
Earth Sciences
Landslides and the application of laser scanning to map surfaces in 3-D.
Claire Horwell
RCUK Fellow
Earth Sciences
Potential health hazards of volcanic dust.
Glenn Milne
Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Future climate change and sea-level rise.
Fred Worrall
Senior Lecturer
Earth Sciences
Environmental risk assessment of new chemicals, vulnerability assessment of ground and surface waters to contamination, drought assessment.
Joy Palmer-Cooper
Professor
Education
The origins and development of environmental knowledge.
Charles Augarde
Senior Lecturer
Engineering
Numerical modelling of geotechnical and structural problems using non-linear finite element (FE) methods.
Peter Tavner
Professor,
NAREG group leader, Technical Director FKI Energy Technology
Engineering
Electrical machines, wind power, connection to network, condition monitoring.
Francisco Klauser
RCUK Fellow
School of Government & International Affairs
Security and risk.
Rachel Casiday
Research Fellow
School for Health
Risk and public engagement with science in the School for Health.
Frank Coolen
Professor
Mathematical Sciences
Generalized methods for uncertainty and risk (eg interval-valued probability) in combination with statistical inference.
Michael Goldstein
Professor
Mathematical Sciences
Bayesian/subjectivist approaches to statistics, the synthesis of expert judgements and experimental data under partial prior belief specification.
James Stirling
Professor
Physics
Particle physics.
Roy Boyne
Professor
Sociology
Cultures of risk, risk and reflexivity.

P J Tavner
Engineering
July 2007





 
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