Professors Tamsin Mather recognised in 2026 New Year Honours
Professor Tamsin Mather has been acknowledged by His Majesty the King in the 2026 New Year Honours List, which recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. Professor Mather has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Volcanology and to the Promotion of Science.
Professor Tamsin Mather joined the University of Oxford in 2006. She completed her undergraduate MSci in Chemistry and graduate degrees in History and Philosophy of Science (MPhil), and Earth Sciences (PhD) at the University of Cambridge. Before arriving at Oxford she was an intern at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin research fellow. She was appointed Professor of Earth Sciences in 2014 and is currently a fellow of University College. Tamsin’s internationally recognised research investigates volcanoes and volcanic behaviour, combining fieldwork, satellite observations, and modelling to unravel the complex links between volcanism, atmospheric chemistry, the environment and climate. Her expertise spans a diverse skillset which allows her to tackle questions surrounding the role of volcanism as a local to planetary-scale driver of environmental change (and stasis) throughout Earth’s history in novel ways.
Her research has transformed our understanding of volcanic systems and their role in shaping the environment of Earth and other planets. She has pioneered approaches to track the dispersion and effects of volcanic gases and particles from eruption to atmosphere, and her work has shed light on the role of volcanism in past environmental crises, including mass extinctions. Through the Centre for Observation & Modelling of Earthquakes, Volcanoes & Tectonics (COMET) of which she was deputy director between 2013 and 2019 - she has advanced volcanic monitoring and hazard prediction, helping to safeguard communities worldwide. Her scientific achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Rosalind Franklin Award in 2018 and election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2024.
“I am very honoured to receive this recognition for my scientific work. I have been hugely privileged to work with some incredible colleagues throughout my career and across many disciplines and sectors. I am delighted to be able to use this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to them all and celebrate the important work they do, especially those working to manage crises in countries prone to volcanic hazards.”
- Professor Tamsin Mather OBE
Alongside her research, Tamsin is a passionate advocate for science communication and diversity in STEM. She has shared the excitement of Earth Sciences with the public through lectures, podcasts, media appearances, and her book Adventures in Volcanoland. She also sits on various advisory boards for UK government and more recently a venture capital fund focussed on promoting diversity and environmental solutions within its portfolio. She was the chair of the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group of Great Britain & Ireland from 2022 to 2025 and is currently the Associate Head of the MPLS division of the university for research and innovation. Her OBE recognises not only her groundbreaking contributions to volcanology but also her tireless efforts to inspire future generations and promote the value of science in society.
This extract was taken from the Department of Earth Sciences. Read the original article on the Department of Earth Sciences Website.
