Professor Mike Bentley, Geology BSc. (Hons) 1st Class, (Edinburgh); PhD (Edinburgh)

Mike Bentley is Professor of Physical Geography in the Department of Geography at Durham University. He grew up in Hexham, Northumberland and then obtained a BSc in Geology from Edinburgh University in 1991 followed by a PhD in Glacial Geology in 1995. Mike worked as a Geomorphologist for Scottish Natural Heritage, before returning to Edinburgh University in 1996 as a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Mike was appointed to Durham as a Lecturer in 2000, was promoted to Reader in 2006 and Professor in 2009.

Mike’s research focuses on the Antarctic Ice Sheet and climate change and in particular the way that the past history of changes to the ice sheet can be used to better understand its current and future behaviour. Mike has published over 70 research papers or book chapters. His research work has been primarily funded by the NERC through a series of grant awards since 1996. His contributions to Antarctic research have been recognised by the award of the Polar Medal (2011) by The Queen and the quinquennial WS Bruce Medal (2005) from the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Royal Scottish Geographical Society. In 2008- 9 he was awarded an Erskine Visiting Fellowship to study at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand where he is also an Adjunct Professor.

Mike’s research work has received wide external recognition resulting in a number of appointments to grant-awarding bodies, international and national scientific steering committees, and government expert advisory panels. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Geophysical Research – Earth Surface and has been editor or co editor of several journal Special issues. His Antarctic research has been covered by the UK broadcast, press and online media. Mike was awarded the Charles Lyell Award for Science Communication in 2003 by the British Association for the Advancement of Science and received a University of Durham Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004.

Mike joined Council as a new staff member on 1 August 2012.