Gideon Henderson

Gideon Henderson
Professor of Earth Sciences
University College
+44 (0)1865 282123
gideon.henderson@earth.ox.ac.uk

Gideon is an environmental scientist and advisor with particular expertise as a geochemist researching surface-earth processes related to climate, the carbon cycle and the oceans. 

From 2019 to 2025 he working 80% as the Chief Scientific Advisor and Director General for Science and Analysis at the UK Government Department, Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).  

In addition to his work at Oxford, Gideon is Chair of the Met Office Science Advisory Committee, the Senior Independant Member of NERC Council, and a Member of the Advisory Board for the UN Decade of Ocean Science.  

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My research uses geochemistry to understand surface Earth processes, particularly those relating to climate, the ocean, and the carbon cycle.  Two recurring themes have been the use of past-climate to assess climate issues relevant to the future (e.g. sea level, monsoon rainfall, permafrost), and assessment of the cycles of metals in the modern ocean, including contaminants and nutrients.  Present interest includes the potential and risks of accelerating natural processes to removal CO2 from the atmosphere.

The Carbon Cycle

Climate

 

 

Publications