Jane Francis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Francis
DCMG FRS
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Portrait of Jane Francis
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| Chancellor of the University of Leeds | |
| Assumed office 9 July 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Melvyn Bragg |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jane Elizabeth Francis
October 1956 (age 68) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Southampton |
| Awards |
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| Website | Jane Francis at British Antarctic Survey |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Palaeoclimatology |
| Institutions |
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| Thesis | The fossil forests of the basal Purbeck formation (upper jurassic) of Dorset, Southern England (1982) |
Professor Dame Jane Elizabeth Francis (born October 1956) is a famous British scientist. She is the Director of the British Antarctic Survey, which studies the polar regions. She used to be a professor at the University of Leeds, where she studied ancient climates.
In 2002, she made history by becoming only the fourth woman to receive the Polar Medal. This award is given for amazing work in British polar research. Today, she is also the Chancellor of the University of Leeds.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jane Francis went to Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School in Canterbury. She then studied at the University of Southampton. There, she earned her first degree in Geology. She also completed her PhD at the same university.
Career in Science
Jane Francis started her research career in 1979. She worked as a geology and biology student at Southampton University. After that, she became a research fellow at Bedford College, London.
In 1984, she joined the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) as a palaeobotanist. This means she studied ancient plants. She spent five years as a researcher at the University of Adelaide in Australia.
Working at the University of Leeds
In 1991, Jane Francis became a lecturer at the University of Leeds in the UK. She was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1996. In 2002, she received the special Polar Medal.
She became a full Professor of Palaeoclimatology. This is the study of Earth's past climates. She also led the Centre for Polar Science at the university. Later, she became the Dean of the Faculty of Environment in 2008. She is now an Honorary Professor at the University of Leeds.
Leading the British Antarctic Survey
On October 1, 2013, Professor Francis became the Director of the British Antarctic Survey. She was the first woman to hold this important position.
Research and Discoveries
Professor Francis is very interested in palaeoclimatology and palaeobotany. She studies fossil plants to learn about past climates. Her work helps us understand how Earth's climate has changed over millions of years. This includes times when the Earth was much warmer or much colder.
She has done a lot of research on the "Antarctic paradox." This means that even though Antarctica is very cold now, many plant fossils show it was once much warmer. She has traveled on more than 16 expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Professor Francis has played a big part in guiding Earth science research in the polar regions. She has served on many important national and international science groups. She was also the first woman to lead a working group for the Antarctic Treaty. This group deals with rules and operations in Antarctica.
Awards and Recognition
Professor Francis has received many awards for her important work.
- Polar Medal: In 2002, she was given the Polar Medal by Queen Elizabeth II. This was for her outstanding work in British polar research. She was only the fourth woman to ever get this award.
- Honorary Doctorates: She received special degrees from the University of Leeds and the University of Plymouth in 2014.
- Explorer Scientist: In 2014, she was named an "Explorer Scientist" by The Science Council. This recognized her as one of the top 100 UK scientists.
- Coke Medal: The Geological Society of London awarded her the Coke Medal in 2014.
- Dame Commander: In 2017, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG). This honor was for her contributions to polar science and international relations.
- Chancellor of Leeds University: In 2017, she became the seventh Chancellor of the University of Leeds.
- Francis Peak: In December 2020, a mountain peak on Adelaide Island was named Francis Peak after her.
- Fellow of the Royal Society: In 2021, she was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists.
