Dr. Oliver Allanson
School of Engineering
Assistant Professor
Address
Engineering Building
University of Birmingham
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

I am an Assistant Professor in Space Environment in the Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group, in the School of Engineering.
I lead a UKRI NERC Independent Research Fellowship to better understand (and improve our modelling of) space science and space weather (2021-26): The Importance of Nonlinear Physics in Radiation Belt Modelling.
My current work considers the fundamental theory, modelling and observations of high-energy charged particle dynamics in the plasma of Earth's radiation belts, within our magnetosphere. This relies upon pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the kinetic plasma physics of resonant interactions between charged particles and electromagnetic waves. This research direction has evolved from a longstanding interest in kinetic physics, including that of current sheet and flux tube equilibria.
I have worked (and will continue to work) on these problems closely with colleagues and project partners at institutions including but not limited to: University of St Andrews; Northumbria University; British Antarctic Survey; University of California Los Angeles; GFZ Potsdam; US Air Force Research Lab; UCL/Mullard Space Science Laboratory; University of Warwick.
Please contact me if you are interested in a collaboration, studentship or postdoc on these topics.
Assistant Professor in Space Environment
Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, 2018
PhD in Applied Mathematics, University of St Andrews, 2017
MASt in Applied Mathematics/Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, 2013
MPhys in Mathematics-Theoretical Physics, University of St Andrews, 2012
University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Assistant Professor & NERC Independent Research Fellow, 01/2023 - present
University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
Honorary Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy
03/2023 - present
University of Exeter, Penryn/Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
Senior Research Fellow/NERC Independent Research Fellow
07/2021 - 01/2023
Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Senior Research Associate, then Research Fellow
09/2020 - 07/2021
University of Reading, Reading, UK
Postdoctoral Research Associate and undergraduate tutor, 06/2017 - 08/2020
University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
PhD in Applied Mathematics and undergraduate tutor
10/2013 - 08/2017
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Master of Advanced Study in Applied Mathematics/Theoretical Physics (“Part III")
10/2012 – 06/2013
University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
Master of Physics in Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, 09/2008 – 06/2012
I am always looking for new PhD students interested in space science.
Interested students should send me a complete CV and a one-page (single sided) statement on their research interests.
Prizes; significant grants; professional membership, service and activities are all listed on
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