Conall has been a member of the Department since 1998 and was appointed Professor of Earth Sciences in 2014. He is internationally recognised for his pioneering research on palaeomagnetism and plate tectonics, work that has helped shape our understanding of Earth’s history. His research has produced more than 80 peer-reviewed papers placing him among the leading scientists in his field.
Alongside his research, Conall has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to teaching and mentoring. He has taught extensively across all levels of the undergraduate programme, from introductory field courses to advanced final-year options, and has supervised numerous doctoral students. His dedication has been recognised through multiple awards, including the University of Oxford Award for Teaching Excellence (2007) and the Oxford University Student Union’s “Most Acclaimed Lecturer” award for the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (2013). He has also played a central role in shaping the Department’s curriculum, chairing major course reviews, and was instrumental in introducing Oxford’s first “college-blind” admissions process in 2018.
Conall has also brought his expertise to leadership and governance at Departmental, Divisional, and University levels. He served as Associate Head of Department and Chair of Faculty (2014–2022), was elected Junior Proctor of the University (2024–25), and currently sits on the Audit and Scrutiny Committee. He has been a driving force in widening participation through his involvement in the “Opportunity Oxford” bridging programme, which won a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence in 2022. Beyond Oxford, he has served on national and international panels including the Natural Environment Research Council Peer Review College and the Norwegian and French Research Councils. His breadth of experience and dedication to academic excellence, equality, and inclusion make him exceptionally well placed to lead the Department for the next five years.
