Dr. Robert Jackson stands as a preeminent environmental scientist whose career has profoundly shaped our understanding of human impacts on Earth systems. He currently holds the distinguished position of Douglas Provostial Professor at Stanford University while serving as Chair of the Global Carbon Project and as a Senior Fellow at both the Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy. With a PhD in Ecology from Utah State University completed in 1992, Jackson established his research trajectory through influential leadership roles at Duke University, where he directed the Program in Ecology, the Center on Global Change, and the Laboratory for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry over a thirteen-year period. His academic journey includes faculty appointments at the University of Texas at Austin and a Department of Energy Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford, demonstrating his commitment to bridging fundamental research with practical environmental solutions. This foundational work established Jackson as a leading voice in environmental science with the unique ability to connect rigorous scientific inquiry with actionable policy recommendations.
Jackson's pioneering research examines the multifaceted ways human activities affect planetary systems, with particular emphasis on carbon cycles, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. His laboratory has produced more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, establishing him as one of the top five most-cited climate and environmental scientists globally, with work that has directly informed environmental policy and practice. Current research initiatives include groundbreaking investigations into climate change effects on old-growth forests and the development of sophisticated measurement systems for greenhouse gases, particularly through the establishment of a global network of methane monitoring towers spanning over 100 sites worldwide. His meticulous work quantifying methane emissions from oil and gas infrastructure, urban environments, and residential buildings has provided critical data that has reduced millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions while improving human health, safety, and air and water quality. These methodological innovations have transformed how scientists and policymakers understand and address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
As Chair of the Global Carbon Project, Jackson leads one of the most influential international scientific collaborations focused on understanding the global carbon cycle and its implications for climate policy. His commitment to translating scientific knowledge into actionable solutions extends beyond traditional research through his environmental advocacy, policy advising for governmental bodies, and participation in high-level forums including the G20 Workshop on the Implications of COVID-19 on Sustainable Economic Recovery. Recognized with prestigious honors including the 2025 Blue Planet Prize, a Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering, and Fellowship in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Jackson continues to expand the boundaries of environmental science through innovative measurement technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations. His ongoing work to establish comprehensive methane monitoring networks across the Amazon and other critical ecosystems represents the next frontier in understanding and addressing one of the most potent drivers of climate change. Through this integrated approach to research, policy, and communication, Jackson remains at the forefront of efforts to create a more sustainable relationship between human societies and the natural environment.
