Changhai Hou is a PhD student from the University of Birmingham, working on a project entitled: "The application of 3-OH-FA based biomarkers to lake sediments."

The vivid yellow sulfur deposits stand in stark contrast to the rugged terrain, highlighting the raw power of volcanic activity. Once a site of sulfur mining, Mount Io remains a testament to both nature’s beauty and its dynamic geological history.

Mount Io, also known as "Iozan" ("Sulfur Mountain"), is a striking geothermal wonder located in Akan-Mashu National Park, Hokkaido, Japan. This active fumarolic mountain continuously releases sulfuric steam and gases, shaping an otherworldly landscape.

Patthapong Chaiseanwang is at the University of Birmingham. Their PhD project is entitled: "An application of a new suite of biomarkers from Gram-negative bacteria to reconstruct the first Holocene temperature in Southeast Asia region based on 3-hydroxy fatty acids."

'This photo captures my first PhD fieldwork. My experienced co-supervisors are teaching me how to collect lake sediment samples. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me develop key skills for geochemistry research. This moment reflects both teamwork and hands-on learning in the field.'

Kerys Meredew is a PhD candidate at the University of Birmingham on a project entitled: "Magma-reservoir evolution following edifice destruction at Krakatau and Ritter Volcanoes."

Pam Vervoort is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham. She is paleoclimatologist who uses Earth system models to understand the role of carbon cycle feedbacks in driving Earth's climate and environmental changes throughout Earth's history.

'Large dune systems formed in the extensive deserts in the arid climate of the early Jurassic; the cross-bedding reveals the dune migration pattern'

Gemma is a final-year PhD student in Organic Geochemistry at the University of Birmingham. Her PhD focusses on using organic biomarkers and compound-specific isotope analysis to interpret the dietary profiles of lemurs.

@drbendlej.bsky.social is a Reader in organic geochemistry at Birmingham University, specialising in palaeoclimatology. His research develops and uses molecular tools to reconstruct past environmental conditions.

Lipid residues on pottery, preserved in calcite, may reveal oils burned in lamps and votive offerings. Initially we speculated the shrine was to Hades, we now believe it venerates Eileithyia, the Minoan and Greek goddess of childbirth.

The image serves as a metaphor for scientific curiosity and bridges archaeology and geology. The shrine is being slowly encased in a crystalline calcite matrix. This will allows us to use dating techniques like U/Th dating (rare for an archaeological context).

Elaine is studying at @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social. Elaine's PhD project is focussed on 'Sources and climate impacts of Indian Ocean aerosols'.