Professor Rebecca Williams

BSc PhD SFHEA

Pronouns: She/her
  • Professor of Volcanology
  • Open Research Lead

Research groups and centres

ORCiD Google Scholar

Research and expertise

I’m a volcanologist who takes an interdisciplinary approach to volcano research. My research focusses on volcano-stratigraphy and hazardous volcanic flows, such as pyroclastic density currents and lahars. I have an interest in social-historical volcanology and volcano-science communication. All this drives towards understanding how communities may be affected by volcanic eruptions past, present and future. I’m developing a research interest in how the historical roots of geology have led to the inequities in our discipline today. I’m the PI of the Catastrophic Flows Research Cluster, the Decolonising UK Earth Science project and founder of the VOICES (Volcanoes In Communication, Engagement & Society) Group.

Current research activity

  • FIAMME: (An international collaboration for a) Framework for Ignimbrite Analysis Methodologies for Modelling and hazard Evaluation. This NERC-funded project brings together global experts on pyroclastic density currents, the deadly flows of ash, gas and rocks that form during volcanic eruptions. To date, studies haven't been able to model the complexity of these currents that we understand from our field studies. There is a lack of systematically collected data of the right kind, and do not have agreed measurement standards to feed into our models. Models that test the relationships between deposit properties and the currents that formed them are critical, but are hindered by a lack of consistently collected, comparable, quantified datasets of field deposits to both inform and validate against. Our collective expertise in field studies, numerical models and flume experiments is brought together to address this challenge. We will develop a database of all known case studies of PDC deposits, identify the most robust methodologies we have to describe and analyse deposits and develop a framework that will guide a future generation of volcanologists
  • Decolonising UK Earth Science pedagogy - from the hidden histories of our geological institutions to inclusive curricula. This NERC-AHRC funded project aims to (1) collaboratively explore the unrecognised knowledge upon which the foundational institutions of Earth Science is built and how this legacy creates modern day inequity in our discipline and (2) to begin dismantling this inequity by taking a decolonising Earth Science pedagogy and curriculum approach
  • This Geologists Association-funded project aims to use urban settings to teach people about volcanoes and volcanology

Recently completed research projects

  • HERC Enhancing diversity in the academic ‘marzipan layer’
  • International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 396 This NERC-funded project proposes to undertake two research projects using samples and data collected during Expedition 396 to study (1) petro-physical volcanology of basaltic lavas as a potential target for CO2 sequestration and (2) understand an unusual crystal-rich dacitic hyaloclastite
  • EQUATOR - Building solid ground for racial diversity in Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences postgraduate research. The NERC-funded project draws together evidence-based interventions, each one targeting a different barrier to racial diversity in NERC-facing research
  • Strengthening Geoscience Education for Sustainable Development in Kenya. This QR-GCRF project  responds to the specific challenges of lack of understanding of the geoscience training landscape in Kenya (with respect to the SDGs), and the need for sufficient and appropriately trained geoscience expertise. We analysed the current availability of geoscience training and the geoscience requirements of the SDGs and development strategies relating to Kenya, to identify specific resource, educational, and workforce gaps associated with securing sustainable development. We used this understanding to develop a strategy to strengthen ‘education for sustainable development’ (SDG 4.7) in higher education contexts, tailored around Kenya’s development priorities. Our framework can be applied in other countries in the region and beyond

Recent publications

  • Brown, J., Williams, R., Ogburn, S., Brand, B., Breard, E.C.P., Charbonnier, S., Dowey, N., Dufek, J., Jellinek, M., Kueppers, U., Lube, G., Rowley, P., (2026). PDCD-DAT – A global database of pyroclastic density current deposit field data. Journal of Applied Volcanology 15, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13617-026-00167-6
  • Walding, N., Williams, R., Jamieson, A. J., & Stewart, H. A. (2026). Deep seafloor exposures of subaerial volcanic lithofacies on the Tonga trench slope: Ground-truthing forearc structure. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 473, 108601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2026.108601
  • Clare, M.A., Yeo, I.A., Nash, J., Hunt, J.E., Panuve, S., Wilkie, A., Williams, R., Dowey, N., Rowley, P., Barclay, J., Phillips, J., Scarlett, J., Engwell, S., Henstock, T.J., Seabrook, S., Watson, S., Wysoczanski, R., Ribo, M., Cronin, S., Talling, P.J., Cassidy, M., Watt, S., Robertson, R., (2025). Volcanic eruptions and the global subsea telecommunications network. Bulletin of Volcanology, 87, 51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-025-01832-1
  • Rowley, P., Williams, R., Johnson, M., Johnston, T., Dowey, N.J., Parsons, D., Provost, A., Roche, O., Smith, G., Walding, N. J., (2025). Chapter 15: Spontaneous unsteadiness and effects of particle size sorting in simulated pyroclastic 1 density currents and the impacts on their deposits. (2025) In Particulate Gravity Currents: Theory, Experiments, and Environmental Applications, Geophysical Monograph Series, American Geophysical Union. ISBN: 978-1-394-21671-0 Pre-print at EarthArXiv https://eartharxiv.org/repository/view/5826/
  • Walding, N., Williams, R., Rowley, P., Dowey, N., Parsons, D. and Bird, A. (2025) Behaviours of pyroclastic and analogue materials, in dry and wet environments, for use in experimental modelling of pyroclastic density currents, Volcanica, 8(1), pp 261–285. https://doi.org/10.30909/vol/oxkm9163
  • Walding, N., Williams, R., Dowey, N, Rowley, P., Thomas. M., Osman, S., Johnson, M., Parsons, D.R. (2025). The influence of moisture on ash strength: implications for understanding volcanic stratigraphy. Bulletin of Volcanology, 87, 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-025-01821-4
  • Dowey, N., Lawrence, A., Raji, M., Jackson, C A-L, Williams R, Fernando, B., Giles, S., Barclay, J., Brotherson, L., Childs, E., Houghton, J., Khatwa, A., Mills, K., Jameson, G., Rockey, F., Rogers, S. L., Souch, C., (2024). The Equator Project Research School and Mentoring Network: evaluated interventions to improve equity in geoscience research. Earth Science, Systems and Society, https://doi.org/10.3389/esss.2024.10123
  • Williams, R., Mills, K. & Lawrence, A., (2024). Decolonising UK Earth Science. Geoscientist 34 (2), 50-53; https://doi.org/10.1144/geosci2024-019
  • Walding, N., Williams, R., Rowley, P., Dowey, N., (2023). Cohesional behaviours in pyroclastic material and the implications for deposit architecture. Bulletin of Volcanology, 85, 67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-023-01682-9
  • Williams, R & Rowley, P (2023). Anatomy of a volcanic eruption undersea. Science 381, 1046-1047. DOI:10.1126/science.adk0181
  • Fernando, B., Giles, S., Jackson, C A-L, Lawrence, A., Raji, M., Williams R, Barclay, J., Brotherson, L., Childs, E., Houghton, J., Khatwa, A., Mills, K., Newton, A., Rockey, F., Rogers, S. L., Souch, C., Dowey, N., (2023). Strategies for making geoscience PhD recruitment more equitable. Nature Geoscience. 16, 658–660. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01241-z
  • Raji, M., Williams, R & Dowey, N (2023). Widening participation: Lessons from the Equator Research School. Geoscientist, Winter 2022. https://doi.org/10.1144/geosci2022-037
  • Dowey, N. & Williams, R., (2022). Simultaneous fall and flow during pyroclastic eruptions: A novel proximal hybrid facies. Geology; 50 (10): 1187–1191. https://doi.org/10.1130/G50169.1
  • Rogers, S.L., Dowey, N., Lau, H., Williams, R, (2022). Geology Uprooted! Decolonising the Curriculum for Geologists. Geoscience Communication, 5, 189–204. https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-5-189-2022
  • Kavanagh, J.L., Annen, C.J., Burchardt, S., Chalk, C., Gallant, E., Morin, J., Scarlett, J., & Williams, R. (2022) Volcanologists—who are we and where are we going? Bulletin of Volcanology 84, 53 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-022-01547-7
  • Dowey, N., Barclay, J., Fernando, B., Giles, S., Houghton, J., Jackson, C., Khatwa, A., Lawrence, A., Mills, K., Newton, A., Rogers, S. and Williams, R. (2021) A UK perspective on tackling the geoscience racial diversity crisis in the Global North. Nature Geoscience, 14(5), 256-259. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-021-00737-w Pre-print on EarthArXiv https://doi.org/10.31223/osf.io/z4cju

Profile

I’m a volcanologist who takes an interdisciplinary approach to volcano research. My research focusses on volcano-stratigraphy and hazardous volcanic flows, such as pyroclastic density currents and lahars. I have an interest in social-historical volcanology, and the communication of volcano science. All this drives towards understanding how communities may be affected by volcanic eruptions past, present and future.

I’m a passionate educator with a particular focus on equality, diversity and inclusivity and curriculum design. My research in this area seeks to understand the links between the colonial legacy of Earth Science, the pedagogy of our discipline and inequities in the access, retention and success of diverse student cohorts. My practice in this arena seeks to effect positive change in Higher Education, with a particular focus on the Earth Sciences across the sector, and across disciplines and faculties within my own institution.

I am a published book author and award-winning science communicator, appearing on TV, radio and news media. This work links people to places, landscapes and science through geology and geoheritage.

I was previously a Reader in Volcanology at the University of Hull, where I held several positions such as Associate Dean for Student Experience for the Faculty of Science and Engineering; Director of Research for the School of Environmental and Life Sciences; Open Research Champion, and Head of Geology Subject Group. For a full CV, please see my personal webpage.

Professional affiliations

  • Since 2023: NERC PRC Member
  • Since 2023: Co-Chair Commission for Volcanogenic Sediments, IAVCEI
  • Since 2022: NERC Pushing the Frontiers Panel Member
  • 2022: NERC IRF Panel Member
  • Since 2017: Executive Board for University Geoscience UK (nominated). Head of Employability Portfolio (2017-2020). Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Portfolio (2020 – present)
  • 2021: QAA Earth Science, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies Subject Benchmark Statement Advisory Board. Chair of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Working Group
  • External Examiner: 2024 – present, BSc Earth Science, University of Portsmouth; 2019-2024, BSc Geology and MSci Geoscience, University Keele
  • 2026: External assessor, 2nd Level geology module, Open University

Awards

  • 2017: British Science Association Charles Lyell Award for ““cutting-edge research and exceptional ability to communicate work to wider audiences”
  • 2025: University of Hull Research and Knowledge Exchange Award for: “Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Excellence in Research and Knowledge Exchange Award”
  • 2018: Faculty of Science Learning and Teaching Award for “Outstanding Performance by a Team Across Multiple Categories” to “Geology Teaching and Support Staff led by Rebecca Williams”

External activities

  • Since 2026: Vice-Editor-in-Chief; DEI and Open Science Officer, Volcanica
  • Since 2017: Editorial Board/Committee of Volcanica
  • 2017-2022: Advisory Council for EarthArXiv
  • 2015 -2019: Editorial board member of Geology
  • Professional memberships: Higher Education Academy; European Geosciences Union; British Society of Geomorphology; Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group (Committee member 2010-2015); International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior; The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland; International Association of Sedimentology
  • Wide range of public engagement, outreach and invited talks. I am a regular contributor to TV and Film, media and other press – see personal website for details.

Books

Author:

  • Volcanoes: 10 things you should know. Seven Dials/Orion Publishing, 2025
  • Explanatorium of the Earth, DK Books, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, 2024

Credited expert consultant:

  • Into the Volcano, Flying Eye Books
  • Earth Anthology, DK Books
  • How Everything Works, DK Books