Wed 13 May 14:00: Polar Oceans Seminar Talk
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Speaker to be confirmed
- Wednesday 13 May 2026, 14:00-15:00
- Venue: BAS Seminar Room 1.
- Series: British Antarctic Survey - Polar Oceans seminar series; organiser: Katherine Turner.
Thu 12 Mar 11:30: See Below
Bubble plumes in electrolysis
Haihan Li, IEEF
Dissolution of capillary trapped co2 plumes
Ruiyang Wang, IEEF
- Speaker: Hainhan Li, IEEF and Ruiyang Wang, IEEF
- Thursday 12 March 2026, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Thu 12 Mar 16:00: Against the rising tide: polar climate change and comms in the misinformation era
It’s hard to believe that we’re not living in a hellish satire. A blatant disregard for science; wilful programs of denial, doom and delay; and a rejection of evidence in favour of the political flavour du jour. Keeping one’s head against the rising tide of mis- and disinformation has never felt harder, but it’s never been more important for polar scientists to talk about their work and what it means. In this talk I’ll showcase some of the cutting-edge, high-resolution Antarctic regional climate model simulations I helped create as part of the PolarRES project and implore you to use them to answer the planet’s pressing polar research questions. Then, I’ll make a case for why you should share that research far and wide to fight the rising tide.
- Speaker: Dr. Ella Gilbert
- Thursday 12 March 2026, 16:00-17:00
- Venue: Scott Polar Research Institute.
- Series: Scott Polar Research Institute - Polar Physical Sciences Seminar; organiser: meh91.
Thu 19 Mar 16:00: Ongoing Regime Shifts in Arctic and Subarctic Peatlands: A Palaeoecological Perspective
Peatlands, which cover only 3% of the Earth’s land area, are critical carbon sinks, storing nearly one-third of global soil carbon – more than the total carbon stock of all forests combined. However, many high latitude peatlands are currently experiencing regime shifts characterised by changes in hydrology, nutrients, and plant communities. These shifts have profound implications for peatland vegetation, carbon dynamics, and climate regulation.
Palaeoecological data, including plant submacrofossils and testate amoebae, provide valuable insights into the historical dynamics of peatlands. Our recent research in Arctic and Subarctic regions has documented the formation of new organic soils and notable shifts in peatland vegetation, particularly an increase in Sphagnum mosses (peat moss). Sphagnum mosses are highly resistant to decay and play a key role in carbon sequestration. This prompts us to explore the broader implications of these changes for future peatland carbon storage potential.
- Speaker: Sanna Piilo - University of Helsinki
- Thursday 19 March 2026, 16:00-17:00
- Venue: Scott Polar Research Institute, main lecture theatre.
- Series: Scott Polar Research Institute - Polar Physical Sciences Seminar; organiser: meh91.
Thu 05 Mar 11:30: Explosions and power generation at Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Lake Kivu is located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along the western branch of the East African Rift, a region of active volcanism and high seismicity. The lake water contains large concentrations of dissolved methane and carbon dioxide. During this talk, we will discuss different mechanisms for large-scale overturning in lakes containing dissolved chemicals.
- Speaker: Andy Woods, IEEF
- Thursday 05 March 2026, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Wed 04 Mar 17:30: Antarctic Ice-Sheet Geometry Set the Interglacial CO₂ Ceiling in the Late Pleistocene
During the Late Pleistocene, the climate system experienced a persistent shift in interglacial intensity during the Mid-Brunhes Transition (~425 ka), with post-MBT interglacials exhibiting higher atmospheric CO₂ and warmer Antarctic and global ocean temperatures than earlier “lukewarm” interglacials. Whether this systematic difference reflects changes in ice-sheet configuration remains uncertain owing to ambiguities in δ¹⁸O-based reconstructions and persistent model–data discrepancies. Here we integrate Antarctic ice-core temperature and δ¹⁸O records, the benthic δ¹⁸O stack, marine sediment constraints, and isotope-enabled climate model simulations to reconcile the systematic contrasts between pre- and post-MBT interglacials. Simulations forced solely by orbital parameters and greenhouse-gas concentrations systematically underestimate the observed isotopic and thermal contrasts, including global benthic δ¹⁸O variability, implying a substantial ice-volume deficit during lukewarm interglacials if temperature effects are held constant. Consistent agreement across Antarctic temperature and isotopic signals, deep-ocean temperature, and global benthic δ¹⁸O stack records is achieved only when a higher Antarctic ice-sheet surface elevation is prescribed. Using a marine biogeochemical general circulation model, we further show that increased Antarctic ice-sheet elevation strengthens Antarctic Bottom Water formation and enhances Southern Ocean stratification, thereby suppressing deglacial deep-ocean carbon release and limiting interglacial atmospheric CO₂ levels. These results identify Antarctic ice-sheet elevation as a necessary physical constraint on lukewarm interglacials and suggest that the interval spanning Termination 5 and Marine Isotope Stage 11c marks a threshold shift in the coupled ice–ocean–carbon system.
- Speaker: Xu Zhang, British Antarctic Survey
- Wednesday 04 March 2026, 17:30-19:00
- Venue: Latimer Room, Clare College.
- Series: Quaternary Discussion Group (QDG); organiser: sr632.
Mon 02 Mar 14:30: Feline Lindhount: Linking human neurodevelopmental timing and evolution, James Fitzsimmons: Brassinosteroid controls leaf air space patterning non-cell autonomously by promoting epidermal growth
TALK 1
Name: Feline Lindhount
Affiliation: MRC LMB
Title: Linking human neurodevelopmental timing and evolution
Abstract: Many hallmark features of the human brain, including its large size, complex neuronal architecture, and extensive connectivity, have emerged alongside a strikingly prolonged developmental timeline. In this talk, I will examine how extended neurodevelopmental time contributes to distinct human brain morphologies, using comparative human and mouse brain organoid models. I will present evidence for a newly identified evolutionary timing mechanism based on calcium dynamics, and discuss how this mechanism is linked to the expansion of axon tract morphologies in humans, a key feature underlying human brain connectivity.
TALK2 :
Name: James Fitzsimmons
Title: Brassinosteroid controls leaf air space patterning non-cell autonomously by promoting epidermal growth
Abstract: Plant leaves can be composed of up to 70% air in a network of intercellular spaces between mesophyll cells. Intercellular leaf air spaces are critical for gas exchange and enhance light scattering for photosynthesis, but little is known about how they form or develop. We tested a century old hypothesis that faster growth in the epidermis pulls the internal mesophyll cells apart to form air spaces. We characterise air space development in the first true leaves of A. thaliana and show that the phytohormone brassinosteroid is required for palisade mesophyll air space expansion. We demonstrate that epidermal brassinosteroid perception is sufficient to promote air space patterning in palisade mesophyll non-cell autonomously, and that an absence of brassinosteroid signalling leads to air spaces being lost during leaf development. We then tested whether restricting epidermal growth could reduce mesophyll air space. By expressing the growth repressing E3 ligase BIG BROTHER in the epidermis, we show that epidermal growth restriction reduces air space expansion in the neighbouring mesophyll cell layers. Overall, we propose that brassinosteroid signalling promotes epidermal growth to pattern air spaces in the palisade mesophyll.
- Speaker: Feline Lindhount, James Fitzsimmons
- Monday 02 March 2026, 14:30-15:30
- Venue: in person at Level 2 meeting room, Gurdon Institute and online.
- Series: Morphogenesis Seminar Series; organiser: Jia CHEN.
Mon 09 Mar 14:30: Deciphering the principles of epithelial tissue organization
Delphine Delacour
Affiliation: Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (Marseille Developmental Biology Institute)
Title: Deciphering the principles of epithelial tissue organization
Abstract:
Epithelia constitute the primary physical barrier against external insults while simultaneously ensuring organ function. Defects in epithelial assembly or function lead to a broad spectrum of pathological conditions, ranging from rare developmental disorders to cancer. Despite their fundamental importance, the mechanisms by which epithelial cells coordinate individual behaviors across entire tissues to ensure spatial organization, integrity, and function remain poorly understood. To date, epithelial coherence has been studied predominantly in invertebrate systems or in transformed cell lines, limiting our understanding of its regulation in physiological mammalian contexts.
The intestinal epithelium represents an exceptional model to address these questions. It is one of the most rapidly renewing tissues in mammals and is continuously exposed to challenges. Its homeostasis relies on the precise balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death. However, the cellular and developmental principles governing intestinal tissue organization and maintenance remain largely unexplored.
The main objective of our project is to elucidate how functional domains of the intestinal epithelium are established, maintained, and coordinated in space and time. Specifically, we aim to: 1) understand the mechanisms that preserve the integrity of the proliferative compartment and determine their role in crypt morphogenesis and maintenance; and 2) uncover epithelial connectivity and collective behavior within the differentiated compartment, both under homeostatic conditions and in response to perturbations.
A major strength of this project lies in its integrative and comparative strategy, combining in vivo and in vitro murine models with human disease-relevant systems. The project brings together advanced approaches in cell and developmental biology, tissue engineering, histology, molecular biology, biophysics, and computational modeling. This multidisciplinary framework will enable the identification of adaptive mechanisms by which epithelial cells polarize, self-organize, and dynamically regulate their fate in response to their environment, with broad implications for developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and disease pathology.
Key words: Tissue morphogenesis, mouse intestine, intestinal organoids, cytoskeleton, mechanics
- Speaker: Delphine Delacour
- Monday 09 March 2026, 14:30-15:30
- Venue: Online.
- Series: Morphogenesis Seminar Series; organiser: Jia CHEN.
Thu 05 Mar 16:30: Materials strategy and perspective for Lead Fast reactor One of two speakers at this event
Abstract Fourth-generation nuclear reactors — and in particular Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs) — bring major technological challenges that must be addressed before deployment. Among them, materials performance is one of the most critical. Structural materials must be qualified for operation in liquid lead, a highly aggressive environment involving complex degradation mechanisms such as corrosion, dissolution, liquid metal embrittlement, and erosion. At the same time, new alloys specifically designed for severe conditions — high temperature, irradiation, and chemical interaction with lead — need to be developed and validated. These technical challenges are compounded by the necessity to meet licensing requirements, often within ambitious timelines. Accelerating material qualification while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance is therefore a central issue. Bio After a PhD on the development of a new metallic glass, Oriane Baulin worked at CETIM for 6 years, in Saint-Etienne, as metallurgist. She was R&D project manager, in charge of failure analyses and expertise, for mechanical industry: automotive, aeronautics, nuclear industry. She was also responsible of metallurgical simulation and of development of innovative materials in additive manufacturing before becoming Head of the metallurgy team. She has joined newcleo in August 2024, as metallurgist, working on innovative materials and advanced processes. She’s Head of the Materials Engineering in France since January 2025.
Presenting by the CUED Nuclear Energy Masters programme.
One of two speakers at this event
- Speaker: Oriane Baulin, Head of the Materials Engineering, newcleo
- Thursday 05 March 2026, 16:30-18:00
- Venue: CUED, LT 6.
- Series: Engineering Department Nuclear Energy Seminars; organiser: Helene Jones.
Thu 05 Mar 16:30: Saltfoss Energy Molten Salt Power Barge: Status and Prospects One of two speakers at this event
Abstract: Saltfoss Energy, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark with offices in South Korea, developed the Molten Salt Power Barge, a floating nuclear power plant based on Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology. The development of the Power Barge is done in consortium with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and the shipbuilding company Samsung Heavy Industries.
In this presentation, Lubomir will present Saltfoss Energy and its mission and introduce the seaMSR-100 design. HE will then discuss some of the technical work done at Saltfoss, including chemistry R&D, experimental thermal hydraulics, and computational work, concluding with descriptions of the student projects done at Saltfoss Energy.
Bio: Lubomír Bureš works at Saltfoss Energy (formerly Seaborg Technologies) as senior nuclear engineer with a focus on multiphysics simulations and engineering design. Lubomír has been employed at Saltfoss for 4.5 years, his duties also including scientific research in molten-salt reactor dynamics and student supervision. Lubomír holds a PhD in computational fluid dynamics of two-phase flows from EPF Lausanne and Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland. Before his doctoral work, Lubomír obtained a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from ETH Zurich – EPF Lausanne (Switzerland) and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Czech Technical University in Prague.
Presented by the CUED Nuclear Energy MastersOne of two speakers at this event
- Speaker: Lubomír Bureš, Senior Nuclear Engineer, Saltfoss Energy
- Thursday 05 March 2026, 16:30-18:00
- Venue: CUED, LT 6.
- Series: Engineering Department Nuclear Energy Seminars; organiser: Helene Jones.
Wed 04 Mar 14:00: Polar Oceans Seminar Talk - Helen Shea If you are external to BAS and would like to attend please reach out to the organisers before the talk and arrive at reception 10 minutes before so we can let you in.
Next week we have a seminar from visiting PhD student Helen Shea (Monash University) who will be talking about Contrasting regional ocean processes sustaining low Antarctic sea ice coverage. So come along to Seminar Room 1 at 2pm!
Abstract: Antarctic sea ice increased for decades, peaked in 2014, then sharply declined in 2016 and has remained generally low since. This decline matters because Antarctic sea ice regulates global climate, influences ocean circulation, and supports ecosystems. Ocean-sea ice interactions are likely contributing to this low sea ice state, with upper ocean stratification central in sea ice formation and melt. Analysis of ocean properties from ORAS5 reanalysis finds the low sea ice period coincides with subsurface warming and stronger stratification in most Antarctic regions. Changes occurring in the Ross Sea are distinct from other regions, with a cooler and fresher subsurface and weakened stratification occurring during the low sea ice period. We suggest that the Ross Sea differences are linked to the presence of the Ross Gyre and an ocean-sea ice feedback. These findings highlight the importance of region-specific ocean processes in influencing Antarctic sea ice variability and its future under climate change.
If you are external to BAS and would like to attend please reach out to the organisers before the talk and arrive at reception 10 minutes before so we can let you in.
- Speaker: Helen Shea - Monash University
- Wednesday 04 March 2026, 14:00-15:00
- Venue: BAS Seminar Room 1.
- Series: British Antarctic Survey - Polar Oceans seminar series; organiser: Katherine Turner.
Thu 05 Mar 11:30: Explosions and power generation at Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Andy Woods, IEEF
- Thursday 05 March 2026, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Tue 10 Mar 11:00: State of Global Wildfires
The State of Wildfires, established in 2023, is a joint initiative led by the Met Office, ECMWF , the University of East Anglia and UKCEH in collaboration with international partners, responding to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme wildfire events worldwide. The annual report reviews major wildfire activity from the previous year and identifies four regions that experienced particularly extreme fire–climate conditions. These regional case studies are informed by expert panels and supported by detailed analyses of fire occurrence, impacts, and associated climate drivers. For each region, the report assesses observed fire trends, impacts, underlying drivers, climate attribution, and future projections. In this talk, I will present key findings from the 2024–2025 report including major fires in LA, Brazil and the Congo, and share early results from analyses underway for the forthcoming 2025–2026 report.
- Speaker: Dr Chantelle Burton
- Tuesday 10 March 2026, 11:00-12:00
- Venue: Chemistry Dept, Unilever Lecture Theatre and Teams.
- Series: Centre for Atmospheric Science seminars, Chemistry Dept.; organiser: Dr Megan Brown.