February 2011
Halcrow’s Roger Moore has been appointed as the UK’s first chair in applied Geomorphology at the University of Sussex.
He will carry out this new post alongside his role as Halcrow’s director for geotechnics and engineering geomorphology. As well as overseeing the development of a unique new masters programme in applied geomorphology, Roger will also manage the university’s collaboration with industry through geomorphology research and consultancy.
Geomorphologists seek to understand why landscapes look and behave the way they do, and to predict future changes. The discipline has a variety of uses from risk assessment of coastal defences, landslide and ocean floor stability to river flooding prediction and upland peat erosion mapping.
The university aims to be a leader in the UK for research and teaching in geomorphology and other related areas. Building the Sussex-Halcrow team into a world-leading training centre for applied geomorphology and for consultancy and research activities in this field is a key objective for 2011.
Professor Bob Allison, professor of geography and the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for research, said: “We are delighted to have Roger at the helm of this new initiative. The application of geomorphology to engineering and construction projects and environmental management is increasingly important to the UK and global economy.”
Halcrow’s regional managing director for the UK and Ireland, Neil Johnstone, said:
“This is excellent recognition for Roger and his exemplary leadership of our dedicated geomorphology team. Through his years of working in this area he has skilfully blended his state-of-the-art scientific knowledge with the practicalities of capturing and interpreting data. His new role is a perfect way of growing knowledge and advancing our skills experience – a core feature of our corporate strategy.”
Professor Moore has over 22 years’ experience of geomorphological investigations, analysis and solutions for engineering, planning, development and environmental projects worldwide. He is head of Halcrow’s engineering geomorphology and geohazards team, the UK’s largest group of its kind. He is co-author of four books and has published over 50 technical papers.