Professor Chris Ballentine

Chris Ballentine is an internationally recognised scientist, with over 30 years of experience in subsurface multi-phase systems, specialising in helium, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide behaviour. He is the Statutory Professor of Geochemistry at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, the Geological Society of London, and the European Association of Geochemistry. Chris has made pioneering contributions to our understanding of mantle-derived volatiles and the accumulation and origin of crustal gases. He has advised major industry players including Total, ExxonMobil and the USGS, and has supported the development of start-up companies across the helium and hydrogen exploration space, including Snowfox Discovery Ltd, where he serves as a founder/board member and science advisor. He was awarded the 2016 Eni Gold Medal, the most prestigious award globally for contributions to industry.