ULSTER University geoscientist Professor Derek Jackson has been admitted to the illustrious Royal Irish Academy.
From the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, he is among 27 new RIA members.
They have been elected for their exceptional contribution to the sciences, humanities and social sciences as well as to public service.
Members are considered to be Ireland's world-class researchers.
Prof Jackson is an internationally-renowned coastal geographer (geomorphologist).
His work focusses on dynamic coastal landscape change due to marine (wave) erosion and build-up.
He also studies Martian windblown landform processes and holds funding to help in terrain hazard mapping for the European Space Agency's 2022 ExoMars rover mission.
A highly distinguished scholar in his field, Prof Jackson has also been exemplary in his mentorship and training of young scientists, successfully supervising to completion multiple PhD and Masters students and more than 20 postdoctoral staff.
Prof Jackson said it was an honour to be elected.
"The study of geoscience in a climatically changing world, impacts all our lives particularly within coastal and marine environments, and I look forward to joining the membership of distinguished scholars to progress the academy's mission, champion academic research and promote awareness of how science can enrich our lives right across society," he said.
RIA President Dr Mary Canning said the new members were recognised for their scholarly achievements, typically reflecting many years of research, or for significant contributions to Irish society.
"They bring international academic distinction to our country and we should be immensely proud of these remarkable women and men. As members of the academy, they will strengthen our capacity to provide expert advice on higher education and research policy," she said.
