Dr Ualisson Donardelli Bellon named 2026 Bullerwell Lecturer

We are delighted to announce that Dr Ualisson Donardelli Bellon, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mineral Magnetism within the School of GeoSciences, has been selected as the 2026 Bullerwell Lecturer by the British Geophysical Association (BGA).

The Bullerwell Lecture is one of the most prestigious early-career honours in UK geophysics. Awarded annually since 1981, it recognises “an outstanding early-career geoscientist,” typically within ten years of their PhD, in acknowledgement of significant contributions to geophysics.

The prize includes funding for a lecture tour, as well as an invitation to present at the BGA’s annual postgraduate research meeting.

Dr Bellon’s lecture, titled “From microscopic minerals to planetary magnetic fields” draws directly on his research. His work combines micromagnetic modelling, advanced imaging, and chemical analysis (including synchrotron-based techniques) to explore the nanoscale behaviour of magnetic minerals - and what they tell us about the stability and evolution of planetary magnetic fields.

Dr Bellon earned his PhD in Geophysics from the University of São Paulo (2024), and his earlier degrees in geophysics and geology.

His doctoral research focused on vortex-state magnetic minerals in carbonate rocks, employing a blend of experimental and computational approaches.

He has published in leading journals such as Geophysical Research Letters, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Communications Earth & Environment, and PNAS, and also won a prize for the Best GeoSciences thesis in Brazil in 2025.

Understanding natural magnetic minerals, which are ubiquitous, is important because they can be used to study the evolution of ancient climates, the movement of continents, the development and history of planets’ metallic cores, and even to trace anthropogenic environmental pollutants. My research focuses on the fundamental properties of these minerals across a range of conditions. I have been fortunate to work with cutting-edge technology and leading experts from around the world to help advance this field. Being named the 2026 Bullerwell Lecturer is a stimulating and rewarding surprise that, to me, serves not only as a fantastic recognition of my work and that of several colleagues, but also as a motivation to keep pushing at the frontiers of knowledge. There is still much to learn and much to do.

As Bullerwell Lecturer, Dr Bellon will embark on a lecture tour across UK universities, and present his lecture at the BGA’s Post-Graduate Research in Progress (PGRiP) meeting.

Please join us in congratulating Dr Bellon on this remarkable achievement, which highlights both his individual excellence and the strength of research in the School of GeoSciences.

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