Dr Oliver Allanson MPhys MASt AFHEA PhD

Dr Oliver Allanson

Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
Assistant Professor

Contact details

Address
School of Engineering
Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) Group
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Dr Oliver Allanson is an Assistant Professor in Space Environment in the Space Environment and Radio Engineering (SERENE) group, in the School of Engineering.

He leads 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.

His 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.

He has 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 Dr Allanson if you are interested in a collaboration, studentship or postdoc on these topics.

Qualifications

  • 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

Biography

  • 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

Teaching

Supervision of Individual Projects (EESE MSc)

Postgraduate supervision

Dr Allanson is 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.

Other activities

Prizes; significant grants; professional membership, service and activities are all listed on

Publications