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LIAG and the University of Tübingen appoint Sumiko Tsukamoto as Professor of Quaternary Geochronology

Hannover/Tübingen, Germany. The Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG) and the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen jointly appointed Sumiko Tsukamoto to the professorship "Quaternary Geochronology" in August. Using geophysical dating methods, the physicist researches the temporal developments in the Quaternary period - the youngest and at the same time shortest epoch in the history of the Earth, which has lasted for 2.6 million years. Starting in the upcoming winter semester, she will supervise both bachelor's and master's students at the University of Tübingen.

Professor Sumiko Tsukamoto is an international leader in geochronology as a scientist with her pioneering work in the field of age dating of sediments using the dating methods of Optically Stimulated Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance. Using quartz and feldspar mineral grains as sample material, her research at LIAG includes the age determination of unconsolidated and solid rocks. The age determinations help, for example, to chronologically classify young fault activity and thus earthquake potentials in the subsurface, or to understand past climate and associated landscape changes, as well as human evolution in different regions of the world up to a million years in the past.

"I am very pleased that we established an excellent new connection to the University of Tübingen to be able to to further develop geophysical dating methods within Quaternary and to answer research questions at LIAG - for example on Quaternary tectonic activity and landscape evolution - in the best possible way ", explains Professor Sumiko Tsukamoto.

"Professor Tsukamoto has been doing outstanding research work in the further development and application of luminescence and electron spin resonance dating methods at our internationally renowned geochronology laboratory in Hannover for many years. The methods developed at LIAG fill a gap in the spectrum of method inventory for young unconsolidated materials, emphasizes Prof. Dr. Martin Sauter, who heads the LIAG. "I am all the more pleased that through the joint appointment with the University of Excellence Tübingen, we can develop a strategic partnership with one of the largest and most renowned university institutes for geosciences and environmental sciences in Germany and bundle the respective know-how."

Professor Peter Grathwohl, Vice-President of Research at the University of Tübingen, confirms that the twofold appointment offers excellent opportunities for greater cooperation. "We are delighted to welcome an outstanding scientist like Sumiko Tsukamoto. Her field of research is an excellent complement to the broad base of geosciences in Tübingen."

Professor Tsukamoto has been with LIAG since 2008. Tsukamoto completed her PhD in physics in the field of electron spin resonance dating at Osaka University in Japan. She then progressed through various positions in the Geological Survey in Japan, Tokyo Metropolitan University and  Aberystwyth University in Wales. She was elected president of the International Association for Luminescence and Electron Spin Resonance Dating in 2023.

 

Scientific contact

Prof. Dr. Sumiko Tsukamoto

Phone: 0511 643 2799

Sumiko.Tsukamoto(at)leibniz-liag.de