Dr Ryan Pereira

Associate Professor in Carbon-Water Dynamics, Heriot-Watt University

Dr Ryan Pereira is an Associate Professor, Lyell Fellow, and leader of the Carbon-Water Dynamics team, at the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Ryan has over 15 years’ experience in industry and academia, having delivered complex environmental investigations in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Guyana, and the open ocean for a variety of beneficiaries. He employs systems thinking approaches to demonstrate interconnected events with potential consequences far from home. This philosophy is at the heart of his investigations to identify fundamental interactions that impact water and carbon cycles that result from our changing Earth. Understanding these combined and continuous flows is fundamental for a healthy and sustainable Earth and ensures future water, energy, and food security. However, while much progress has been made there are large uncertainties that limit our ability to predict responses to human and natural influences.

Dr Pereira’s work focusses on five inter-related themes including: 1) transport and reactivity of carbon and pollutants under changing environmental regimes; 2) carbon and its role in regulating gas exchange between water and atmosphere; 3) advancing technology to characterise carbon in the environment; 4) ensuring water security; and 5) engaging audiences through immersive Virtual Reality and gamification. This work is gratefully supported by an active research portfolio including a Starting Grant from the European Research Council, the UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund, industry, and international charities.