Professor Hugh Jenkyns awarded Geological Society Lyell Medal

Professor Hugh Jenkyns is the recipient of the 2025 Lyell Medal, awarded by the Geological Society of London for his pioneering research in 'soft'-rock studies.

The Lyell Medal is awarded annually for contributions to 'soft'-rock studies and is among the Society’s most prestigious awards. It was established under the will and codicil of Sir Charles Lyell (1797–1875), the author of Principles of Geology, which popularised the idea of uniformitarianism.

Professor Jenkyns, who is an Emeritus Professor in the Department and Fellow of St Edmund Hall, is an internationally recognised sedimentary geologist, stratigrapher and palaeoceanographer. His pioneering research centres around understanding major global events in Earth history by examining their sedimentary and geochemical records, with a focus on Jurassic and Cretaceous marine and lacustrine sediments.

He is best known for his outstanding contributions to defining and exploring Oceanic Anoxic Events, which has explained the globally widespread distribution of coeval Mesozoic black shales, as well as finding application in industry due to the implications for source-rock genesis. Professor Jenkyns has also worked on the multidisciplinary Kimmeridge Drilling Project and investigated the origin of North Pacific guyots (drowned carbonate platforms sitting on extinct volcanoes). His current research is exploring the use of novel isotope systems in Mesozoic palaeoceanography.

“I am honoured and flattered to be awarded the medal that carries the name of one of the greatest ’soft’-rock geologists in the history of our subject.”

– Professor Hugh Jenkyns

Through his long and successful career, Professor Jenkyns’ research has garnered over 35,000 citations. Since his arrival to the Department in 1977, he has inspired decades-worth of students through his teaching, as well as training and influencing scientists worldwide through his work and collaborations.

“This is a richly deserved award that recognises Hugh’s research accomplishments. Throughout his career he has been a wonderful teacher and mentor to Oxford students and researchers. We are very proud of him for this achievement, which recognises his outstanding contributions to his field.”

 

– Professor Mike Kendall, Head of Department

Many congratulations to Professor Jenkyns on this well-deserved honour!

The full list of 2025 award winners can be found on the Geological Society website.