Professor Rob Knipe

Profile

Research

My research is on understanding the mechanisms associated with rock deformation and integrating these into larger scale tectonic processes.

Research interests

Structural Geology: My research has involved combining microstructural and rock property characterisation with the geometry of deformation features. Initially my focus was the origin of slaty cleavage and mylonitic fabrics. More recently my research has focussed on the interaction of faulting and fracturing processes and fluid flow behaviour in sedimentary basins. 

I founded and built the Rock Deformation Research group, a multidisciplinary team recognised as world leaders in the structural analysis of fault behaviour. The group worked globally with Industry and formed a University Spin-out company that was purchased by Schlumberger.

My research resulted in the following awards: 

I was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in May 2021.

A full list of the publications from my research is at:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dK4wIbgAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

At present my main research interest is on geosciences and the energy transition; particularly the behaviour of geo-flow barriers that impact Carbon Capture and Storage. 

I am a member of the Geological Society of London, Books Editorial Committee and am co-ordinating a series of future conferences on the Energy Transition.

Knowledge Transfer and Exchange

I helped embed Knowledge Transfer and Exchange over the Campus and am promoting the links between research innovation and industry. In addition, I am involved in increasing public awareness of the interactions between geology, culture and history, via expert-led Tours and Lectures and also within local community groups. 

Qualifications

• PhD, Imperial College, University of London. 1977.
• MSc, DIC, Imperial College, University of London, 1974.
• BSc, (Aberystwyth), 1973.

Professional memberships

• Fellow Learned Society of Wales.
• Fellow Geological Society of London.