Professor Dave Healy becomes Director at Geosolutions Leeds
Professor Healy has become Director at Geosolutions Leeds, leading the centre's research, innovation and impact to combat the challenges of the climate crisis with world-class subsurface research.
Professor Healy, a Professor of Geomechanics at the University of Leeds’ Faculty of Environment, previously worked at the University of Aberdeen, Curtin University (Perth, Australia), the University of Liverpool and as a software developer.
Professor Healy’s current research interests include geothermal energy, the growth of fracture patterns and estimating the probability of earthquakes. He teaches geology and geophysics in the field, classroom and laboratory.
He installed the “Listen to Manchester” network of citizen science seismometers around Greater Manchester and North Wales to monitor vibrations from traffic and local earthquakes, improving public understanding of geology.
Geosolutions Leeds
Geosolutions Leeds brings together geologists, engineers and social scientists to face global challenges such as climate change; it features a number of academic and technical staff from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
As the director, Professor Healy will continue the vision for the Geosolutions Leeds’ leading research in line with the University's Climate Plan.
This will include developing its networks, programmes of activity, education and training, and fostering its inclusive research culture.
He said: “I am very excited by my new role, and especially the opportunity to make a real difference in the Energy Transition with the support of the University of Leeds Climate Plan.”
Geosolutions leverages our world-leading expertise to lead the energy transition through interdisciplinary subsurface research.
Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation said: “Geosolutions leverages our world-leading expertise to lead the energy transition through interdisciplinary subsurface research.
“David’s international credibility as a geoscience researcher and leader in his field will really help to drive and deliver geoscience solutions for a sustainable future and to deliver on net-zero.
“I am really looking forward to seeing David drive collaborative and interdisciplinary initiatives across research, innovation, education, and knowledge exchange that address the global energy transition’s urgent demands.”
Geothermal energy on campus
Part of the University’s pathway to delivering Net Zero by 2030 is the decarbonisation of heat across campus.
To achieve this, Geosolutions Leeds, the Sustainability Service, Estates and Facilities and contractors have begun geothermal drilling at the University, with notable locations near the EPS estate close to the Energy Building, and School of Chemical and Process Engineering.
The start of geothermal drilling work on campus, close to the Energy and SCAPE buildings. Credit: Ben Craven
As well as contributing to the Climate Plan, the drilling will be a campus-based Living Lab that facilitates research and teaching opportunities.
It will give an insight into the potential use of geothermal energy across the wider city.
Professor Healy’s expertise in geomechanics, geothermal energy and citizen science will strengthen its processes and impacts.
