Hugh Tuffen is a volcanologist whose research investigates the processes controlling hazardous eruptions, via field, geochemical and experimental approaches.
His research primarily addresses volcanic conduit dynamics, the mechanisms of magma degassing, and fragmentation, and the emplacement of silicic lava flows. Hugh employs techniques that include infra-red spectroscopy of silicate glasses, thermal analysis of volcanic rocks, quantitative textural analysis, and experimental crystal and bubble growth in magmas. He has published fifty research papers to date and recognises the value of research collaborations between different disciplines and institutions.
Hugh is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Reader in Volcanology at Lancaster University and has previously held Fellowships from NERC, the Leverhulme Trust and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at a variety of institutions including UCL and the University of Munich.