Professor Dame Jane Francis is the Director of British Antarctic Survey.  In 2017 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (DCMG) in recognition of services to UK polar science and diplomacy. She became Chancellor of the University of Leeds in 2018.

Brief CV
2013-present    Director of British Antarctic Survey
2008-2013        Dean, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds
2004-present   Professor of Palaeoclimatology, University of Leeds
2008-2008       Head of School, School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds
2003-2004        Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellow
1996-2004         Senior Lecturer, Earth Sciences, Leeds University.
1991-1996          Lecturer, Earth Sciences, Leeds University
1986-1991          Post Doctoral Research Associate, Geology Department, Adelaide University, Australia
1984-1986         Palaeobotanist, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge
1982-1984         NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Geology/Biology, Bedford College, University London
1979-1982          NERC research student, Geology/Biology, University of Southampton.

Research interests

My principal research interests are palaeoclimatology and palaeobotany. I specialise in the study of fossil plants, especially woods, and their use as tools for climate interpretation and information about past biodiversity. My current work focuses on understanding past climate change during both greenhouse and icehouse periods, particularly in the polar regions, the areas on Earth most sensitive to climate change.

Collaborations

Polar science expeditions:

• 2009/10 Seymour Island, Antarctica to study Palaeogene biotic evolution and palaeoclimate. NERC funded, supported by the British Antarctic Survey
• 2009 Svalbard, Arctic to study Eocene fossil plants and climates, in collaboration with the University of Svalbard. NERC funded.
• 2009 NERC visit to Canadian High Arctic to visit Resolute Base and other science sites
• 2008 NERC trip to Canadian High Arctic to visit ArcticNet scientists on CCS Amundsen ship in the Beaufort Sea.
• 2007 Seymour Island, Antarctica to study Late Cretaceous sediments and fossils for palaeoclimatic investigations. NERC-AFI funded, supported by the British Antarctic Survey
• 2007 Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) field trip to Svalbard, Arctic for international graduate field trip to study Palaeogene sediments and fossils.
• 2006 Seymour Island, Antarctica to study Late Cretaceous sediments and fossils for palaeoclimatic investigations. NERC-AFI funded, supported by British Antarctic Survey
• 2003 Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica to study Neogene fossil forests and glacial sediments to understand floral and climate evolution. Supported by NSF/University of Dakota.
• 2002 Geology lecturer on tourist ship, Antarctic Peninsula
• 2001 Seymour Island, Antarctica to study Palaeogene fossil plants and climates. NERC-AFI funded, supported by the British Antarctic Survey.
• 1999 Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula to study Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments and fossil wood to determine floral and climate history. NERC funded, supported by the British Antarctic Survey.
• 1993/4 Mt Discovery, Minna Bluff and the Dry Valleys, Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica to study Eocene (50 million year old) climates and environments from fossil wood and sediments. Funded by NSF/University of Nebraska.
• 1990/91 Allan Hills, Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica to study Permian and Triassic (250 million year old) fossil forests and climates. Funded by New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme/Antarctic Research Centre, University of Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand.
• 1989 Antarctic Peninsula international geology expedition to Antarctic Peninsula. Supported by the British Antarctic Survey.
• 1989 Svalbard, Arctic Norway to study Cretaceous climates and fossil wood. Australian Research Council funding.
• 1988 Ellesmere Island, Canadian High Arctic to study Cretaceous fossil wood and climates. Funded by the Geological Survey of Canada/Australian Research Council.
• 1987 Axel Heiberg and Ellesmere islands, Canadian High Arctic to study Eocene fossil forests and climates. Supported by the Geological Survey of Canada/University of Saskatchewan
• 1986 Axel Heiberg and Ellesmere islands, Canadian High Arctic to study Eocene fossil forests and climates. Funded by the Geological Survey of Canada/University of Saskatchewan

For publications before 2013 see http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/people/j.francis

Publications from NERC Open Research Archive

1. ANTARCTICA INSYNC

   ANTARCTICA INSYNC brings together researchers from around the world including British Antarctic Survey to study the continent and the Southern Ocean at the same time.

   Read more of: ANTARCTICA INSYNC

   

2. Transformation

   Realising the benefits of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme.

   Read more of: Transformation

   

3. Impact of Plastic in the Polar Regions

   This project investigated plastic pollution across Arctic and Antarctic environments. Scientists collected water, ice, and sediment samples to quantify macro and microplastic pollution, track its sources, and assess its impact on polar wildlife.

   Read more of: Impact of Plastic in the Polar Regions

   

4. Impact of global disturbances on evolution of polar life

   Why does global biodiversity show such a steep increase just as climates were deteriorating?

   Read more of: Impact of global disturbances on evolution of polar life

   

1. UK Antarctic Science Conference 2024

   The British Antarctic Survey will host the 2024 UK Antarctic Science Conference, October 1st to the 3rd. As has been tradition in the past, our conference will have a linear schedule to give exposure on different aspects of Antarctic Science to the whole community.

   Read more of: UK Antarctic Science Conference 2024

   

2. Professor Dame Jane Francis is new President of Royal Geographical Society

   Professor Dame Jane Francis, renowned palaeoclimatologist and Director of the British Antarctic Survey, has been elected as President of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

   Read more of: Professor Dame Jane Francis is new President of Royal Geographical Society

   

3. Polar Science for a Sustainable Planet: new science strategy

   The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), launches its new ten-year science strategy today (19 June) that addresses urgent scientific challenges facing our world, namely in the continents of the Arctic and […]

   Read more of: Polar Science for a Sustainable Planet: new science strategy

   

4. British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season

   The 2022/23 Antarctic field season has ended, marking the conclusion of another successful year of scientific exploration in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. This field season, […]

   Read more of: British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season

   

5. Professor David G Vaughan OBE

   It is with deep sorrow we report the death of Emeritus Fellow, Professor David Vaughan.  He was suffering from cancer and passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 9 February […]

   Read more of: Professor David G Vaughan OBE

   

6. Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica calves giant iceberg 

   ANTARCTICA – 23 January 2023. A huge iceberg (1550 km²), almost the size of Greater London, has broken off the 150m thick Brunt Ice Shelf. It calved after cracks that […]

   Read more of: Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica calves giant iceberg 

   

7. British Antarctic Survey Director honoured

   The director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Professor Dame Jane Francis has been awarded the prestigious Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (IBG) Patron’s Medal for contributions to earth and environmental sciences.

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8. New aircraft investment supports polar science

   On 17 March 2022, Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Nigel Bird, Director of Major Programmes at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Brian Love, Chief […]

   Read more of: New aircraft investment supports polar science

   

9. RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials

   The RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials during its maiden voyage to Antarctica – a critical milestone in the commissioning of Britain’s new polar ship. This is the first […]

   Read more of: RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials

   

10. IPCC: Polar scientists welcome Climate Change Assessment 

    CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey welcomes the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group 1 component of its Sixth Assessment Report.  This assessment brings together the latest advances in […]

    Read more of: IPCC: Polar scientists welcome Climate Change Assessment 

    

11. Global Biodiversity Festival

    Are you ready to explore the world from your living room? British Antarctic Survey scientists are taking part in the online Global Biodiversity Festival 2021. The Global Biodiversity Festival is […]

    Read more of: Global Biodiversity Festival

    

12. BAS staff recognised with Royal Society Fellowships

    We are delighted to announce that today (6 May 2021) Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey, and Professor Richard Horne, Head of Space Weather and Atmosphere team, […]

    Read more of: BAS staff recognised with Royal Society Fellowships

    

13. BAM Nuttall and Sweco in new partnership to upgrade Antarctic Research Stations

    Construction expert BAM Nuttall, with design consultants Sweco, have won a tender for a new 10-year partnership to take forward an ambitious programme to modernise the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) […]

    Read more of: BAM Nuttall and Sweco in new partnership to upgrade Antarctic Research Stations

    

14. Evaluation concludes BAS research is ‘world leading’

    An evaluation of British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has provided an objective assessment of its research excellence and impact. It concludes BAS is ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’. Two independent panels […]

    Read more of: Evaluation concludes BAS research is ‘world leading’

    

15. BAS field season underway

    The BAS field season is underway. Since the RRS James Clark Ross departed the UK in November last year, it has safely delivered summer and wintering staff and essential cargo […]

    Read more of: BAS field season underway

    

16. Update on 2020/21 Antarctic field season: responding to COVID-19 pandemic

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) provides more detail about its Antarctic season operational plan for the forthcoming field season and how it plans to keep Antarctica virus-free. COVID-19 continues to present […]

    Read more of: Update on 2020/21 Antarctic field season: responding to COVID-19 pandemic

    

17. Spotlight on equality, diversity and inclusion

    New blogs, refreshed web content and a social media campaign aim to highlight a two-year programme of work aimed at boosting diversity in UK polar science. 

    Read more of: Spotlight on equality, diversity and inclusion

    

18. Westminster Energy Forum webinar – UK climate policy

    Professor Dame Jane Francis speaks at this event

    Read more of: Westminster Energy Forum webinar – UK climate policy

    

19. Update: British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19 and planning for next season

    CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) continues to plan its operational support to the UK and international polar research community during global challenges posed by COVID-19. Halley and Signy Research Stations […]

    Read more of: Update: British Antarctic Survey response to COVID-19 and planning for next season

    

20. Traces of rainforests found in West Antarctica

    An international team of researchers has provided a new and unprecedented perspective on the climate history of Antarctica. From a sediment core collected from the seafloor in West Antarctica, they […]

    Read more of: Traces of rainforests found in West Antarctica

    

21. Ramboll re-awarded Technical Advisor role

    Engineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll has been re-appointed as Technical Advisors for British Antarctic Survey (BAS), successfully winning the next phase of work in a series of projects to […]

    Read more of: Ramboll re-awarded Technical Advisor role

    

22. Professor Alan Rodger

    It is with great sadness that we report the death of previous staff member, Professor Alan Rodger.  Alan was a scientist in BAS for over 40 years since 1972. He […]

    Read more of: Professor Alan Rodger

    

23. Ship is named with royal ceremony

    The UK’s new polar research ship is formally named the RRS Sir David Attenborough today [Thursday 26 September] by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  In their first engagement of […]

    Read more of: Ship is named with royal ceremony

    

24. Reaffirmed international commitment to Antarctic Treaty

    PRAGUE 11 July 2019 Twenty-nine nations today [11 July 2019] reaffirm their commitment to the treaty that protects and preserves Antarctica as a continent for peace and science. Sixty years […]

    Read more of: Reaffirmed international commitment to Antarctic Treaty

    

25. Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of Captain Scott, today’s event (Friday 21 June) marks the shortest, and […]

    Read more of: Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica

    

26. Marine life recovery following the dinosaurs’ extinction

    A new study shows how marine life around Antarctica returned after the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. A team led by British Antarctic Survey studied just under 3000 […]

    Read more of: Marine life recovery following the dinosaurs’ extinction

    

27. Honorary appointment for BAS Director

    Professor Dame Jane Francis is appointed Chancellor at University of Leeds

    Read more of: Honorary appointment for BAS Director

    

28. British Antarctic Survey at Bluedot Festival 2017

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is delighted to be participating in this year’s Bluedot music festival in Macclesfield 7-9 July. The event, which last year attracted over 20,000 visitors, is billed […]

    Read more of: British Antarctic Survey at Bluedot Festival 2017

    

29. Raising Horizons: Portraits of women in science

    BAS Director features in photographic portraits of women in science

    Read more of: Raising Horizons: Portraits of women in science

    

30. Double New Year Honours for British Antarctic Survey Directors

    Two leading polar scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have received awards in the 2017 New Year Honours list from Her Majesty the Queen. BAS Director, Professor Jane Francis, […]

    Read more of: Double New Year Honours for British Antarctic Survey Directors

    

31. Antarctic fossils show creatures wiped out by asteroid

    A study of more than 6,000 marine fossils from the Antarctic shows that the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs was sudden and just as deadly to life in the polar regions.

    Read more of: Antarctic fossils show creatures wiped out by asteroid

    

32. NEWS STORY: Milestone for new Innovation Centre

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff joined forces with building representatives from ISG, colleagues from neighbouring organisations and Cambridge University this week to mark an important milestone in the building of […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Milestone for new Innovation Centre

    

33. NEWS STORY: Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica

    Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica This week staff at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of Captain Scott the […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Midwinter Celebrations in Antarctica

    

34. NEWS STORY: Free event on Halley VI

    FREE Public Event – Work in a cold climate: designing for the most extreme place on Earth London Festival of Architecture 2015 Thursday 18 June 2015, 18:30 – 20:00 The […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Free event on Halley VI

    

35. PRESS RELEASE: New network for polar science

    EU boost for polar science A new initiative to enhance the integration of Europe’s scientific and operational capabilities in the Polar Regions has been funded by the EU Horizon 2020 […]

    Read more of: PRESS RELEASE: New network for polar science

    

36. NEWS STORY: BAS in university collaboration

    Stronger together: Addressing global issues through thriving collaboration between University of Cambridge and British Antarctic Survey The challenges our planet is faced with require innovative approaches. To increase the impact […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: BAS in university collaboration

    

37. NEWS STORY: Power-down update

    UPDATE Power-down at British Antarctic Survey Halley Research Station The 13 members of staff at Halley Research Station continue to remain safe and well following the power-down incident on 30 […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Power-down update

    

38. NEWS STORY: Antarctic Science Strategy

    Government publishes UK Antarctic Science Strategy A framework document ‘UK Science in Antarctica 2014-2020‘ is published today (Wednesday 16 July). Prepared by the UK National Committee for Antarctic Research on […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Antarctic Science Strategy

    

39. NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica

    Midwinter’s Day celebrations take place at Antarctic Research Stations Staff at the British Antarctic Survey are celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica. In a tradition which began in the days of […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica

    

40. NEWS STORY: Funding announced for new ship

    New polar research ship for UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP announced this week (Friday 25 April 2014) that the Government has earmarked more than […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Funding announced for new ship

    

41. NEWS STORY: Halley VI wins two awards

    British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station scoops two 2014 Civic Trust Awards British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station received a 2014 Civic Trust Award and a Civic Trust Special Award […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Halley VI wins two awards

    

42. NEWS STORY: UK leading scientists listed

    A list published this week by the Science Council features British Antarctic Survey Director, Professor Jane Francis as one of 100 UK leading practising scientists The list is the result […]

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43. NEWS STORY: Greetings from Antarctica

    Christmas messages from Antarctic staff Many British Antarctic Survey scientists and support staff will be spending this Christmas thousands of miles from home on the frozen continent. BAS has five […]

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44. NEWS STORY: Staff head into deep Antarctica

    British Antarctic Survey field season is underway On the eve of the centenary year of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition the ship which bears his name is playing a crucial role […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Staff head into deep Antarctica

    

45. NEWS STORY: Construction award for Halley VI

    British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station wins British Construction Industry Award 2013 British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station won a prestigious British Construction Industry (BCI) International Award at a ceremony […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: Construction award for Halley VI

    

46. NEWS STORY: BAS’ new Director appointed

    Professor Jane Francis has been appointed as the new Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council, Duncan Wingham said, “I am delighted […]

    Read more of: NEWS STORY: BAS’ new Director appointed

    

Awards

Appointed Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (DCMG) in recognition of services to UK polar science and diplomacy 2017.

Professor Francis is the first woman to have chaired the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting Working Group on Science & Operations and the fourth woman in history to receive the Polar Medal. Since being appointed director of BAS in 2013, she has had a dual role of ensuring UK scientific polar excellence and promoting British sovereign interests in Antarctica. As the first female director of BAS, she has embraced gender diversity and been an inspiration and influential figure in the British scientific establishment. She has also undertaken a wide range of international roles to promote the UK’s polar interests and sits on polar science advisory boards for other countries.  As well as spending many years researching geology in the polar regions, Professor Francis has been deeply involved with the Antarctic Treaty – a unique international agreement which protects the world’s largest and most pristine wilderness.

Honorary Degree Doctor of Science, University of Southampton 2018
Honorary Degree Doctor of Science, University of Kent 2018
Honorary Degree Doctor of Science, University of Leeds 2014
Honorary Degree Doctor of Environmental Science University of Plymouth 2014
Coke Medal, Geological Society of London 2014
Explorer Scientist, 100 Leading UK Scientists 2014, The Science Council.
Sorby Medal, Geological Society of Yorkshire 2010
Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship 2003-4
Polar Medal 2002. For ‘outstanding contribution to British polar research’. Presented by H.M. Queen.
President’s Award, Palaeontological Society
NSF (US) Antarctic Service Medal and US Navy Antarctic medal

Research Funding

Crame, J., Francis, J.E., Robinson, S., Lunt, D., Ineson, J. 2010-2015. PALEOPOLAR. Impact of global disturbances on the evolution of life in the polar regions during the early Cenozoic. NERC grant. Life and the Planet research programme.
Francis, J.E. Plant evolution and climate change in Antarctica during the Palaeogene. AFI Collaborative Gearing Scheme 2009/10
Francis, J.E. Pirrie, D. and Haywood, A. Terminal Cretaceous climate change and biotic response in Antarctica. 2005-8. NERC/Antarctic Funding Initiative.
Francis, J.E. and Beerling, D.J. Understanding the distribution and ecology of ancient polar forests and their influence on climate. 2002-5. NERC
Francis, J.E. and Cantrill, D.C. Biodiversity response to climate change: biodiversity and climate significance of Tertiary forest communities of Antarctica. 2000-3 NERC grant
Francis, J.E. The use of angiosperm wood anatomy for palaeoclimate analysis: a new technique for determining Cretaceous and Tertiary climates of Gondwana. 1997-1999 NERC grant
Francis, J.E. Palaeoclimates of Antarctica: growth rings in fossil wood. NERC grant
Francis, J.E. Pliocene climates of Antarctica and the onset of Cenozoic glaciation: evidence from fossil plants. University of Leeds Academic Development Fund. 1994-1996.
Francis, J.E. Investigation of ancient Antarctic climates from growth rings in fossil wood. Nuffield Award to Newly-Appointed Science Lecturers. 1992-1994.

• Member, NERC National Capability Partnership Forum
• Scientific Advisory Group, Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
• Fellow, Darwin College, Cambridge
• Executive Committee member, European Polar Board
• UK Delegate, Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research SCAR
• Honorary Professor, School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds
• Vice President, Palaeontographical Society
• Co-Chair, Working Group on Science and Operations, Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting