Olivier Namur, University of Leuven, Belgium
Biography
Olivier Namur is an assistant professor of Petrology in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the KU Leuven (Belgium). He obtained a PhD in Geology from the University of Liege (Belgium) in 2011 and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at several institutes (University of Cambridge, University of Hannover, University of Liege) between 2011 and 2017. He is an igneous petrologist investigating crustal formation on Earth and other terrestrial planets. His work is grounded in field observation, supplemented by mineralogical and geochemical analysis backed up with thermodynamical calculations and experimental petrology. He currently leads a research group investigating the effect of crustal thickness on the composition and mineralogy of basaltic lavas erupting from presently active volcanoes. He is also closely involved in the ESA BepiColombo mission to Mercury.
Motivation for serving the EAG council
I wish to serve on the EAG council because I have reached the career stage at which I want to contribute to promoting research internationally, particularly within Europe. Having studied at a small university, and now supervising a group of young researchers from Europe and developing countries, I would like to contribute to facilitating access for early career scientists and people belonging to minority communities to meetings and workshops: improved accessibility will increase the exchange of ideas, help develop scientific networks and enhance the worldwide recognition of the work of this demographic. Furthermore, my extensive research experience on igneous rocks, ore deposits and planetary sciences, together with my international background, provides me with the insights and experience to strengthen the relations between all branches of the Earth Sciences community.