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Prof Phillip Toms

Professor in Physical Geography

I specialise in Quaternary science, studying environments of the past 2.58 million years to help predict our future climate and to understand the emergence of modern humans

Biography

I lecture on physical geography, lead the Environmental Sciences Group and run the School’s luminescence dating laboratory. My research uses the luminescence properties of minerals to date past environmental changes and hominin evolution, dispersal and occupation. Working with universities, consultancies and NGOs from around the world, I’ve recently been exploring the past environments of South Africa and instances of hominin occupation in East Africa and Australia.

Qualifications

  • BSc: Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, 1996
  • PhD: Quaternary Science, Royal Holloway, University of London, 2002

Accreditation

Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society with IBG

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Teaching & Research

Teaching

Earth systems and processes

Ice Age Earth

Climate Change

Threats to civilisation

Geographical research and fieldwork

Research

Phillip’s research and consultancy focuses on the development and application of luminescence dating. This technique establishes when minerals were last exposed to sunlight or heat and is used to date deposition of sediments and production of archaeological artefacts. Of late, his research has focused on the past environments of South Africa and instances of hominin occupation in East Africa and Australia.

Publications

More publications from Prof Phillip Toms can be found in the Research Repository.

External responsibilities

Professional positions

Chair of the West of England & South Wales region, Royal Geographical Society with IBG