Steven Sparks named Edward P. Bass Distinguished Visiting Environmental Scholar for 2006/2007

The Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies will host two Edward P. Bass Distinguished Visiting Environmental Scholars, Dr. Michael Teitelbaum and Professor Steven Sparks, during the 2006/07 school year.

Professor Stephen Sparks is a world renowned volcanologist. His research interests include the generation of melts and the role of fluids in the earth’s crust, the transport of debris avalanches and submarine currents during volcanic eruptions, and the prediction of eruptions and analysis of volcanic time series. While at Yale he will be based in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, where he will consider two major issues: global risks from extreme natural hazards and access to scientific knowledge in the developing world.

Professor Sparks is Director of the Research Center for Environmental and Geophysical Flows at the University of Bristol, UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and of the American Geophysical Union. He was formerly Chief Scientist at Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

Professor Sparks’ interest in extreme natural hazards has been long-standing. He is involved in the Global Risk Identification Programme GRIP, which is supported by the World Bank and UN. His collaborations with scientists from the developing world have led to his engagement in issues such as training and knowledge transfer, incentives to pursue a science career in the originating country, and access to research funds to participate in international science.

For information on contacting Professor Sparks, please call the YIBS office at (203) 432-9857.

Edward P. Bass Distinguished Visiting Environmental Scholars Program