Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj

Biography

I am Head of Department (Planetary Sciences) and Senior Lecturer in Earth Observation and Planetary Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. My work sits at the intersection of climate science, geospatial innovation, and environmental risk, with a focus on understanding how environmental change translates into real-world hazards and societal impacts.

Over the past decade, I have developed an internationally recognised research profile spanning high-mountain hazards, Earth Observation, and planetary geomorphology. I have published more than 110 research articles and secured approximately £1.5–2 million in research funding as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator. My work combines methodological innovation with applied impact, bridging fundamental science with real-world challenges such as climate resilience, water security, and geohazard mitigation.

In addition to my research, I am actively involved in international scientific communities through editorial boards, funding panels, and collaborative networks, contributing to the development of research agendas in Earth and environmental sciences.

Research Overview

My research is driven by a central question: how can we use advanced Earth Observation and geospatial science to better understand environmental change and support effective responses to it?

I work across two interconnected domains. The first focuses on high-mountain environments, examining how climate change influences glacier dynamics, slope stability, and cascading hazards such as outburst floods and debris flows. The second explores planetary surface processes, particularly on Mars, using comparative geomorphology to understand landscape evolution across planetary systems.

A defining feature of my work is the integration of diverse datasets, including satellite imagery, UAV surveys, LiDAR, and in situ measurements, combined with emerging approaches such as machine learning. This enables the development of high-resolution, data-driven insights into complex environmental systems, with applications ranging from hazard assessment to planetary exploration.

Some key areas for potential collaborations are listed below:

• Remote sensing and GIS (applications in natural hazards, land dynamics, glacio-hydrology and cryosphere, coastal processes, fluvial processes, vegetation mapping, urban studies, and health geographics)
• Landforms and surface processes on Mars
• Glacial and periglacial geomorphology
• Glacial hazards
• Glacier-climate interactions 
• Mars analogue research
• High-resolution terrain modelling and interpretation
• Drones for environmental remote sensing

Current Research

My current research is centred on climate-driven hazards in high-mountain regions, with a particular focus on the Himalaya. I lead a major UKRI-NERC funded project (https://www.abdn.ac.uk/geosciences/departments/planetary-sciences/research/ascertain/) investigating landslide and glacial hazards and their impacts on communities and critical infrastructure.

This project adopts a strongly interdisciplinary approach, integrating geoscience, social science, and stakeholder engagement. By combining satellite Earth Observation data, field-based measurements, and community perspectives, we aim to co-develop mitigation strategies that are both scientifically robust and locally actionable.

A key aspect of this work is direct engagement with policy and practice. I collaborate closely with government agencies, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences in India, as well as regional organisations and local communities. These partnerships ensure that research outputs contribute to decision-making processes related to risk management, infrastructure planning, and climate adaptation.

In parallel, my group is advancing the use of artificial intelligence and high-resolution geospatial data to improve the detection, modelling, and prediction of environmental hazards and complex landscape dynamics.

Past Research

My earlier work has made significant contributions to both Earth and planetary sciences. In high-mountain environments, I have investigated glacier dynamics, avalanche processes, and landscape evolution under changing climatic conditions. I have also played a key role in advancing methodologies in Earth Observation, particularly in the use of UAVs and LiDAR for environmental monitoring. My review papers in this area are among the most widely cited, providing foundational frameworks that have guided subsequent research.

In planetary geomorphology, I have contributed to understanding surface processes on Mars, including providing evidence for transient liquid water and detailed mapping of key landing sites. My involvement in the ExoMars Rover Science Operations Working Group reflects the international recognition of this work and its relevance to planetary exploration.

Knowledge Exchange

A central component of my work is ensuring that research translates into practical outcomes. I actively engage with policymakers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure that scientific insights inform decision-making processes.

My current work in the Himalaya involves direct collaboration with national-level agencies, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences in India, contributing to the development of risk assessment frameworks and mitigation strategies. I also work with local stakeholders to co-produce knowledge that reflects both scientific evidence and community priorities.

More broadly, I contribute to research funding panels, advisory boards, and international committees, supporting the development of research strategy and policy at national and international levels.

I am committed to communicating science beyond academia and engaging with wider audiences on issues related to climate change and environmental risk. My work has been featured in international media and platforms such as the World Economic Forum, UNDRR, and The Conversation.

I regularly deliver invited talks, public lectures, and participate in international workshops and outreach initiatives. I am also involved in mentoring programmes and educational activities that support students and early-career researchers, including initiatives aimed at widening participation in STEM. Through these activities, I aim to increase awareness of environmental challenges, promote evidence-based understanding, and highlight the role of science in supporting more resilient and sustainable futures.

Collaborations

My research is inherently collaborative and international. I work with partners across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, spanning universities, research institutes, and governmental organisations. I have led and coordinated multi-institutional research projects involving interdisciplinary teams, bringing together expertise in geoscience, engineering, data science, and social science. These collaborations enable the development of integrated approaches to complex environmental challenges.

Teaching Responsibilities

GG5067/5068 (ORIGINS, EVOLUTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GIS): Course Coordinator and Tutor

GG2510 (MAPPING AND MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENT): Course Coordinator and Tutor

GG3069 (REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS): Tutor

GL5206/5207 (THE NATURE OF GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL DATA): Tutor

GL5546 (APPLIED, INDUSTRY AND RESEARCH GEOPHYSICS): Guest Lecturer

GG5910 (DISSERTATION PROJECT IN GIS): Supervision

GL5910 (Dissertation Project in Geophysics): Supervision